CONTACT
Jonathan Yang
Marketing and Communications Manager
SETDA
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SETDA SUPPORTS FCC’s PROPOSED
SCHOOL AND LIBRARY CYBERSECURITY PILOT PROGRAM

May 16, 2024 (Washington, DC) – SETDA, the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders, strongly supports the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) plans to vote on the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program in June. The $200 million initiative aims to protect K-12 schools and libraries from the ever-present threat of cyberattacks on school broadband networks and the sensitive personal data they contain. 

As technology leaders at the state level, SETDA members play a crucial role in promoting digital equity and cybersecurity across their states. By working closely with school districts, state educational technology directors ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to secure and reliable online learning resources.

“SETDA applauds the Commission’s efforts to understand the cybersecurity needs of our nation’s K-12 schools,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “This pilot program will help protect students and educators from cyber threats and provide crucial insights for modernizing E-Rate to tackle cybersecurity challenges in education.”

The proposed pilot program will provide valuable information into the most effective cybersecurity and advanced firewall services for safeguarding the networks and data of educational institutions. SETDA believes the data collected through this initiative will shape the next generation E-Rate program and guide the development of cybersecurity policies and practices at both state and national levels.

“State educational technology leaders are uniquely positioned to drive change and promote best practices in cybersecurity across their states,” added Fallon. “By leveraging the resources and knowledge gained from the FCC’s pilot program, our members will be able to develop comprehensive strategies to support school districts in their efforts to protect sensitive student and educator data and ensure uninterrupted access to learning.”

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About SETDA

Founded in 2001, SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.