Vetted by Mark Vetter

In this Vetted Special, Mark Vetter sits down with longtime technology leader and former educator Carl Sweetland to cut through the noise around artificial intelligence in K–12 education. Instead of hype and headlines, this conversation focuses on what AI actually means for school districts right now.They explore practical use cases for generative AI, where it can support educators and IT leaders, and where caution is still required — especially around data privacy, accuracy, and security. Carl shares insights from his experience in classrooms, district leadership, and enterprise technology to help schools make smart, grounded decisions about AI adoption.If you’re a K–12 technology leader, administrator, or educator trying to separate real value from buzzwords, this episode delivers a clear, practical perspective on where AI fits in schools today — and what to watch next.

As 2025 comes to a close, host Mark Vetter looks back on a year of conversations at the intersection of education, technology, and student safety — and looks ahead to what’s coming next.In this year-in-review episode of Vetted, Mark revisits key themes from the past year, including student data privacy, cybersecurity, AI in the classroom, broadband access, and the real-world challenges of running modern K–12 technology environments. Throughout the year, Vetted sat down with CTOs, cybersecurity experts, broadband advocates, and district leaders to cut through the hype and focus on what actually works for schools.The conversation then turns forward to 2026 and beyond, with a deep dive into one foundational truth: the future of AI in education depends on data quality, not algorithms. Mark unpacks why districts don’t have a data shortage — they have a data quality problem — and what must change for AI to truly support personalized learning, reduce teacher workload, and improve student outcomes.This episode covers:Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters more than everWhat makes student data accurate, contextual, and actionableThe role of interoperability, unified data models, and real-time accessWhy long-term data stewardship is essential for AI success in schoolsWhether you’re a district leader, technology director, or educator navigating what’s next, this episode offers clear, grounded insights to help you prepare for the future responsibly.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, cybersecurity leader Chester Wisniewski, Field CISO at Sophos, breaks down today’s real threats facing schools and public organizations. From social engineering and data breaches to the growing pressure on understaffed IT teams, Chester explains how the cybersecurity landscape has shifted and why schools are increasingly in the crosshairs.He shares practical steps districts can take to strengthen security even with limited budgets, the critical importance of data governance, and why basic cyber hygiene often matters more than the latest flashy tools. A must-listen for technology leaders, administrators, and anyone responsible for protecting student and staff information in the digital age.

What happens to the developing brain when AI enters the classroom? Dr. Missy Widmann—educator, researcher, and co-founder of Neural Education—joins Mark Vetter to explore how neuroplasticity, movement, and human connection shape learning in an age of artificial intelligence. Together they discuss why curiosity and belonging are essential for deep thinking, how to design lessons that promote “productive struggle,” and what educators can do to ensure AI supports, not replaces, genuine learning.

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—so what can education learn from it? In this episode, Mark Vetter talks with Andy Hashimoto, Vice President of Insight Financial Services, about how AI is changing the way we work, communicate, and make decisions.From meeting transcriptions to instant coaching and data privacy, Andy shares how his team is embracing AI responsibly—and what lessons schools can take from the private sector’s early adoption.🎧 Vetted by Mark Vetter is powered by MicroK12, your trusted K–12 technology partner in the Pacific Northwest.#AI #EdTech #VettedByMarkVetter #MicroK12 #ArtificialIntelligence #EducationLeadership

How can schools embrace AI without losing sight of equity, privacy, and academic integrity? Dr. Tara Nattrass, Chief Innovation Strategist at Lenovo, joins Mark Vetter to share her journey from classroom teacher to district leader to edtech innovator.Together, they explore the opportunities and risks of AI in K–12, the importance of teacher voice in driving meaningful change, and the challenges of protecting student data in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Nattrass also highlights how assessment must evolve in the age of AI and why student-centered learning should remain at the heart of innovation.Whether you’re an educator, technology leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical insights on how schools can balance innovation with responsibility in today's classrooms.

AI is no longer on the horizon—it’s already reshaping classrooms. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Kris Hagel, CIO of Peninsula School District and one of the nation’s leading voices in K–12 AI integration.Kris shares how his district became an early adopter, what authentic assessment could look like in an AI-powered world, and why school leaders must act now to protect student data and reimagine learning. From teacher training to national policy, this conversation dives deep into the opportunities—and challenges—of bringing AI into public education.Whether you’re a superintendent, school board member, or educator, you’ll come away with insights on how to lead your district into the future of learning.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Courtney Bock—Library & Technology Specialist and incoming Digital Literacy Coordinator at Mead School District. From early AI work with chatbots to helping shape policy in K–12 schools, Courtney shares her journey, optimism, and concerns around AI in education. Hear how she's leading district-wide conversations on data privacy, teacher training, and student safety, while championing tools that empower—not replace—educators. Bonus: hear about her surprising life outside of edtech as a competitive mounted shooter!

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Liza Francisco Voss, Executive Director of Ed Tech and Strategic Innovation at Franklin Pierce School District. We delve into her inspiring journey from a former nurse to a leading figure in educational technology. Liza shares her experiences as a woman of color navigating the tech industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she has faced. We discuss the importance of mentorship, the immigrant experience in technology, and her commitment to empowering young women in tech. Liza's story is a testament to resilience and the power of building relationships in a predominantly male industry. Join us as we explore how she continues to pave the way for future generations in technology leadership.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Elliott Levine, Worldwide Director of Education at Qualcomm, to explore the seismic shift coming to education through on-device AI. Recorded live from TechFest, this engaging, funny, and deeply insightful conversation covers everything from Snapdragon-powered laptops to the ethical implications of cloud-based AI, how schools can future-proof tech decisions, and what truly matters in teacher training and student outcomes. From Harry Potter-like boarding schools in the UK to remote Fijian classrooms with a single PC, this episode connects global stories with practical takeaways for today’s educators and tech leaders.

In this episode we interview Mike Jolley, SVP of Enterprise Partnerships and Channels at Securly, He has served as a leader for over a decade in K-12 Education Management, and a rapidly growing SaaS company focused on keeping students safe through bullying and suicide detection, as well as digital citizenship initiatives.

Dana Anderson is the CEO of WSIPC is a non-profit cooperative that provides technology solutions, services, and support to K-12 public and private schools. Membership includes 9 Educational Service Districts and more than 280 school districts, who represent nearly 730,000 students in over 1,500 schools. On this episode we walk through the history and nuances of his work in public schools.

This episode features Erik Heinrich, Education Director for Ruckus Networks. He has an impressive background ranging from leading the technology department for the San Francisco School District to sitting on the board of the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition. This huge body of work exemplifies the work we all do in K-12, working to empower the unserved and underserved--by advocating for high quality broadband and technology in our schools, libraries, and healthcare providers. Eric's personal story is also compelling. He utilized a wide range of educational opportunities to help him grow and succeed.

You won't want to miss this week's episode packed with valuable recommendations for safeguarding school data! It features Jeff Wheat, the CTO of Lumu, as he discusses his career in cybersecurity and his focus on protecting K-12 schools from cyber threats. The discussion explores the vulnerabilities within school systems and highlights how student data has become a prime target for attackers due to its long-term value. Jeff addresses challenges such as limited budgets, expansive attack surfaces, and insufficient cybersecurity staffing in schools, emphasizing the importance of robust defenses, collaboration, and proactive measures to counter increasingly sophisticated threats.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Sullivan from North Kitsap School District to explore the dynamic landscape of technology in K-12 education. Dr. Sullivan shares insights into the district’s journey with one-to-one device initiatives, AI integration, and cybersecurity strategies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting new technologies, including the integration of AI for personalized learning and the importance of student data privacy. This conversation offers a comprehensive look at how school districts are navigating the evolving educational landscape with technology.Episode Number Guest: Dr. Jeremy Sullivan, North Kitsap School District

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Chase Cunningham, widely known as Dr. Zero Trust, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in K-12 education. Dr. Cunningham shares his unique journey from a Navy diesel mechanic to a leading cybersecurity expert, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities in adopting Zero Trust principles.

Dive into the critical topic of student digital safety, from protecting their personal online experiences to securing your district’s networks and valuable data. With classrooms going high-tech, we’re breaking down how to navigate the digital world responsibly and securely.Guest SpeakerSue ThotzDirector of Outreach, EducationCommon Sense Media