Nebraska EdTech Leaders: 2026–2027 School Year & Critical E-Rate Updates

As the calendar turns to August and our hallways fill with students and staff once again, CoSNE wants to extend a warm welcome back to all of our educational technology leaders across Nebraska.

Whether your summer was spent deploying fresh hardware, tackling infrastructure overhauls, or refining your district’s security posture, your dedication behind the scenes is what makes modern, connected learning possible. To our IT directors, network administrators, and technology coordinators: thank you. Your hard work lays the foundation for a successful school year for every student and educator in our state.

As we kick off this new academic year, we also need to address a critical federal policy development that requires our collective attention.

Critical E-Rate Updates & Proposed FCC Changes

E-Rate remains the vital backbone of school connectivity, providing essential discounts that make broadband and internal network services affordable for districts large and small. Over the summer, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) exploring significant potential shifts to the E-Rate program.

Key elements under consideration by the FCC include:

• Program Scope: Seeking comment on whether the E-Rate program should be narrowed or reoriented away from its current structure.
• Screen Time & Educational Purpose: Exploring measures to assess student screen time and re-examining how E-Rate-funded networks are utilized.
• CIPA Compliance: Re-evaluating current interpretations of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
• Consultant Oversight: Proposing stricter compliance, registration, and reporting requirements for E-Rate consulting services.

Take Action: #SaveOurERate

These discussions carry significant implications for how Nebraska schools plan, fund, and secure their networks. In response, CoSN National, alongside the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, AASA, and the ALA, has mobilized the #SaveOurERate initiative.

As a statewide chapter, our strength lies in our shared voice. We encourage Nebraska EdTech leaders to engage with these developments:

1. Review the Resources: Visit the SHLB #SaveOurERate Action Center to access state funding data, analysis papers, and guidance on the rulemaking process.
2. File Comments: Ensure that the unique perspective of Nebraska’s rural and urban school systems is represented in federal dockets. The SHLB site provides templates and step-by-step instructions.
3. Contact Elected Officials: Use CoSN and SHLB’s pre-written email templates to quickly contact your representatives and explain the local impact of these potential changes.

Join Us for Our August Statewide Meeting

To help our members navigate these E-Rate updates, share back-to-school deployment strategies, and connect with peers across the state, CoSNE is hosting our next statewide membership meeting:

• Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM CDT
• Location: Virtual meeting (link available via member communications)

Let’s make it a fantastic and smooth start to the 2026–2027 school year. We look forward to connecting with you on August 24!

CoSN Nebraska is proud to announce that Nikki Schafer from Omaha Public Schools has recently been elected as the President-Elect of our chapter.

Nikki brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing educational technology in Nebraska. We are thrilled to have her step into this leadership role and help guide the future of our chapter alongside the rest of the board.

To help you get to know her better, Nikki shared a bit about her background and her work at Omaha Public Schools:

Nikki Schafer is the Director of User Support for Omaha Public Schools and has more than 20 years of experience in education. For the past 10 years, she has worked in educational technology, with experience in instructional coaching, professional development, and training. Nikki recently earned her doctorate, and her dissertation examined artificial intelligence policy in Nebraska K–12 education. Nikki lives in Omaha with her family, and enjoys reading, staying active, and exploring new locales through frequent traveling.

Please join us in welcoming Nikki to the CoSNE board! We look forward to the energy, expertise, and vision she will bring to our community.

The Nebraska CoSN Chapter (CoSNE) held its latest statewide member meeting on May 27, 2026. It was a productive session covering leadership transitions, major legislative updates, and our roadmap for the 2026 conference season.

If you missed the live session, you can catch up on the full discussion via the recording below:

Our next statewide meeting will be held on June 24th at 2:00 CDT.

CoSN Nebraska is excited to announce that Nikki Schafer from Omaha Public Schools has been selected as the President-Elect for our chapter. Nikki brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Nebraska educational community, and we look forward to the dedicated leadership she will provide as she joins the CoSNE board.

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Meet Nikki Schafer

Nikki is an educator, mother, and avid reader who currently serves as the Director of User Support for Omaha Public Schools. Her journey in education has been diverse, previously serving as both a technology facilitator and an elementary music teacher.

With seven years of experience on the Board of Directors for NETA, Nikki is a seasoned leader in the state’s ed-tech landscape. She is passionate about fostering connections between Nebraska educators to benefit both staff and students.

“Nikki’s goal with educational technology is for teachers to feel prepared and excited to leverage the digital tools available to them.”

Please join us in welcoming Nikki to her new role as we continue our mission to support IT leaders and digital transformation across Nebraska!

The Nebraska chapter of CoSN (CoSNE) recently joined colleagues from across the state for the NETA Spring 2026 Conference at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. This year’s theme, “Remix Learning,” provided a timely backdrop for discussing the evolving role of technology leadership in our schools.

Collaboration and Resources

Throughout the conference, CoSN Nebraska maintained a dedicated display table to share resources and connect with both current and prospective members.

The event offered a valuable opportunity to discuss the specific needs of Nebraska’s technology departments, including professional development through the CETL (Certified Education Technology Leader) program and our ongoing efforts to support cybersecurity and data privacy.

Our Chapter in Attendance

The strength of our organization comes from the dedicated professionals who lead technology initiatives in our districts every day. It was a pleasure to see so many of our members contributing to the sessions and workshops that make NETA a cornerstone event for our state.

From left to right: Bryan Dunne, Cory Gearhart, Scott Isaacson, Andy Boell, Nikki Schafer, and Joshua Jerome.

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Looking Ahead

We appreciate everyone who stopped by our table to share their insights and challenges. If you weren’t able to attend, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how CoSN Nebraska supports IT leaders through networking, advocacy, and shared expertise.

We look forward to continuing these conversations throughout the summer and at our upcoming regional meetings.

About CoSN Nebraska: CoSN Nebraska is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders in the state. We provide the resources and networking necessary to help our members lead digital transformation and improve student outcomes.

Greetings from the Windy City! 🌬️💻

Our Nebraska delegation has officially touched down in Chicago for the CoSN 2026 National Conference. We are joining edtech leaders from across the country at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk to dive into this year’s theme: “Building What’s Next Together.”

From exploring the “AI Playground” to discussing the latest hurdles in cybersecurity and media literacy, our team is hard at work bringing back the best insights and innovations to support our students and teachers back home in the Good Life.

Nebraska’s EdTech Leaders in Chicago

Representing the Cornhusker State:

• Kristi Peters, Lincoln Public Schools, Director of Education Technology
• Tim Klein, Lincoln Public Schools, Education Technology Analyst
• Jarred Rowe, Lincoln Public Schools, Education Technology Analyst
• Chris Pultz, Lincoln Public Schools, Education Technology Analyst
• Kirk Langer, Lincoln Public Schools, Chief Technology Officer
• Dorann Avey, Nebraska Department of Education, Digital Learning Director
• Joshua G. Jerome, Ogallala Public Schools, Technology Director / CoSNE President

 →602 East G St. Ogallala, NE 69153         Times: 8:00am – 4:30pm

Who: IT Administrators, System Administrators, and Google Workspace Super Admins 

June 9th – $300 per person

This comprehensive training will guide your IT staff through educational best practices and Google Workspace for Education Admin console skills and techniques. The level 1 training includes a series of training lessons, real-world education examples, and knowledge checks to prepare attendees for life as a school Google Workspace for Education Administrator. A brief test will be given at the end of the course to assess your new found skills. Upon completion of Level 1, each individual will receive the Level 1 Certification and a badge.  

Agenda

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June 11th – $350 per person

Take your Amplified Admin Level 1 certification further with Deep Dive training into key EDU topic areas.  The foundational Core Services are the starting point for an exploration into key functionality and best practice.  A series of lessons, EDU examples and knowledge checks will help you to master how the tools are used.  Find out how services like Gmail, Drive and Chrome can be used effectively to support staff and students for success.  The Amplified Admin Level 2 test awaits the completion of your training to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to amplify your Admin skills. Upon completion of Level 2, each individual will receive the Level 2 Certification and a badge.   

Agenda

Both events will also highlight the collaboration among surrounding K12 districts, and open discussion is encouraged. Space is limited! 10% discount offered if attending both dates. Please contact Matthew Joy  matthew.joy@amplifiedit.cdw.com for a quote or if you have any questions!

The Nebraska CoSN Chapter (CoSNE) held its latest statewide member meeting on February 25, 2026. It was a productive session covering leadership transitions, major legislative updates, and our roadmap for the 2026 conference season.

If you missed the live session, you can catch up on the full discussion via the recording below:

Key Highlights & Action Items

1. Chapter Leadership & Board Elections

We are officially opening nominations for the CoSNE Board.

• Nominate Here: CoSNE Board Nomination Form
• Note: If nominating yourself, please include a bio and photo. If nominating a peer, our team will reach out to them for confirmation. Elections will be held prior to our next meeting.

2. Let’s Meet Up: 2026 Conference Attendance

We want to coordinate and connect with our Nebraska members at upcoming events! If you are attending any of the following, please let us know via the form below:

👉 Complete the Conference Attendance Form

• CoSN 2026 (Chicago, IL): April 13–15.
• NETA Spring Conference (Kearney, NE): April 30–May 1.
• NCSA Admin Days (Kearney, NE): July 24–26.

3. Legislative & Security Updates

Cory provided essential updates regarding the Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) and key bills currently in the Nebraska Legislature:

• LB1050: Reading Bill
• LB390: Library Bill
• LB1219: Valuation Cap

The Nebraska CoSN Chapter is now accepting nominations for one open board position for the upcoming term.

As we continue growing our statewide network of educational technology leaders, we invite members who are passionate about advancing leadership development and strengthening collaboration across Nebraska to consider serving.

Nomination Details

• Open Positions: 1 Board Seat
• Nomination Deadline: March 9
• Election Date: During the March Statewide Membership Meeting (date to be announced)

Nominations may be submitted using the following form:

👉 Submit a nomination here

Members may nominate themselves or another eligible member.

Election Process

Candidates will run for the open board seat. Following the election, the board will determine officer assignments internally. Officers (President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, Ex Officio, etc.) are selected by the board after the board member has been elected.

This process allows us to:

• Elect strong leadership representation to the board
• Align officer roles with individual strengths and experience
• Maintain flexibility as our chapter continues to develop

Why Serve?

Board service is an opportunity to:

• Help shape the direction of the Nebraska CoSN Chapter
• Support leadership development efforts across the state
• Contribute to initiatives such as a potential CETL cohort
• Strengthen Nebraska’s community of technology leaders

We encourage members who are interested in growing our chapter and supporting fellow EdTech leaders to consider submitting a nomination.

For questions about the nomination or election process, please reach out to one of the current board members.

We look forward to your participation and continued engagement as we build a strong statewide presence.

The Nebraska CoSN chapter held its first statewide meeting on Friday, January 16, at 2:00 PM, with 19 members in attendance. The meeting provided an opportunity for introductions and meaningful discussion around the vision and goals of the chapter.

A primary focus identified during the meeting is supporting and strengthening the leadership development of information technology leaders across Nebraska. As part of this effort, the chapter is exploring the creation of a statewide CETL cohort to support certification and provide professional recognition for technology leaders throughout the state.

Members also discussed how the Nebraska CoSN chapter can differentiate itself from other technology-focused organizations in Nebraska. As a chapter, we aim to complement existing groups by focusing on leadership development and filling gaps in professional learning and support that are not currently addressed elsewhere.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Nebraska CoSN chapter, please complete the membership form and submit it to us.

We are also seeking input on establishing a regular meeting schedule for chapter members. Please take a moment to complete the following survey to share which meeting times work best for you:
https://forms.gle/QW9Ucgzx694WzJ8C8