This week, we're covering some hot topics making headlines, including the recent unfreezing of billions in education funds, new disability policies being considered in Louisiana that involve cameras in classrooms, and the rise of AI-powered instruction in a Texas private school.

Beyond the news, our main topic is a deep dive into how states and schools are currently handling cell phone bans. We'll explore different approaches, from school-by-school discretion to bell-to-bell bans and even complete prohibitions on possession. We'll discuss the implications of these policies and what they mean for students and educators in the digital age.

News articles discussed:

https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/07/25/trump-administration-unfreezes-billions-in-education-funds-for-schools/

https://www.nola.com/news/education/la-schools-must-update-disability-policies-under-new-law/article_2951749d-d2ce-47d1-ae45-81b8d48237f9.html

https://www.foxnews.com/us/ai-running-classroom-texas-school-students-say-its-awesome

https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=231

00:00:00-Intro

00:11:23-Controversial LA Law

00:16:43-Texas AI School

00:18:30-State Cell Phone Bans

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PowerGistics

NTP

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Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join us this week as we welcome our new AI co-host and delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of vendor support in small districts. From the highlights of the MidwestTechTalk conference to the intricacies of tech support for small schools, we cover it all. Hear about the latest AI updates in education with Canvas integrating ChatGPT and the DOE's new AI guidelines. We also discuss the importance of vendor relationships, pricing transparency, and the impact of federal funding freezes.

Articles Referenced:

https://mashable.com/article/open-ai-education-canvas-partnership

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250708034741/en/PowerSchool-Announces-Antonio-Pietri-as-Next-CEO-Effective-October-6-2025

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/22/microsoft-sharepoint-chinese-hackers.html

https://www.k12dive.com/news/gop-senators-letter-trump-omb-frozen-education-funds/753366/

https://www.k12dive.com/news/states-sue-over-frozen-education-funds-Linda-McMahon-Trump-OMB/752995/

https://thejournal.com/articles/2025/07/23/ed-grant-portal-target-of-phishing-campaign.aspx?admgarea=News1

https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-guidance-artificial-intelligence-use-schools-proposes-additional-supplemental-priority

00:00:00-Introduction

00:19:00-Vendor Support for Small Districts

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PowerGistics

Lightspeed Systems

Managed Methods

Fortinet

Extreme Networks

NTP

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Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Josh, Chris, and Mark dive deep into the latest product and licensing changes announced by Google this summer. 

The trio discusses how Google's updates could impact schools, highlighting essential decisions IT Directors and educators need to make regarding AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM. Special emphasis is placed on Google's move to enhance the classroom experience, with standalone products like Google Vids and other classroom management tools.

Listeners can expect an exploration of Google's strategic updates in their offerings, along with insights on managing these changes effectively, especially in context with budget considerations and licensing shifts. Whether you're a tech director or a classroom teacher, this episode is packed with valuable information to help navigate the evolving educational technology landscape.

News articles discussed:

District sued by parent over digital hall pass software - https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2025/07/oregon-parent-takes-school-district-to-court-over-digital-hall-pass-privacy-issues.html

ISTE EdTech Index now available in Clever, Classlink, and SchoolDay - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/helping-schools-make-safer-smarter-edtech-connectionsnow-with-trusted-quality-indicators-302494504.html

Google's Summer Updates - https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2025/06/gemini-google-classroom-all-edu-editions.html

00:00:00-Intro

00:05:50-National Education News Update

00:08:25-Privacy Concerns in Schools

00:12:35-ISTE Edtech Index

00:14:40-Google Updates

00:17:20-Gemini & Notebook LM

00:24:38-Google Vids

00:26:36-Google Classroom

00:35:32-Google Meet

00:36:40-Class Tools

00:48:00-Licensing Changes Explained

00:55:08-Episode Wrap-Up and Next Steps

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PowerGistics

Luma

Fortinet

Extreme Networks

VIZOR

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Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join us for an exciting episode recorded live at the GAMEIS Conference in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Our hosts dive into the world of education technology and cybersecurity with insights from key players in the field.

Listeners will hear from prominent figures in the Georgia ed-tech scene, including Rusty Boone from McIntosh County, who shares innovative Chromebook management strategies and the benefits of involving students in device care. Roman Gaddis and Logan Evans discuss the growing importance of AI in schools, while Geekender makes a special appearance to talk about the role of the Reddit K12sysadmin community.

From addressing challenges such as ransomware and cybersecurity to networking with peers and learning about the latest tech trends, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the opportunities and issues facing educational technology today. Tune in to experience the camaraderie, culinary delights, and cutting-edge content that defined the GAMEIS Conference 2025.

00:00:00-GAMEIS Conference

00:03:17-Rusty Boone

00:24:19-Chromebookparts.com

00:25:56-Craig Dinn

00:32:50-Clint & Holly

00:38:10-Logan Evans

00:48:50-Geekender!

00:53:10-Closing

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PowerGistics' favorite Chromebook damage excuses

Fortinet

Lightspeed

Managed Methods

VIZOR

NTP

--------------------

Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

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Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join Josh and Mark on the K-12 Tech Talk Podcast as they tackle pressing issues impacting the education sector. This week, they delve into the Supreme Court's decision to preserve E-Rate funding, celebrating a 6-3 vote victory that aligns with predictions. Listen in as they break down the implications of dissenting voices seeking stricter non-delegation doctrines.

The hosts shift gears to dissect the White House’s newly announced AI and Education Pledge, questioning the sustainability of funding pledges amid a federal education funding freeze affecting vital programs across 33 states. They detail the monetary impact this pause could have, reporting on fears of cuts following a pocket rescission.

Riding the wave of announcements, Josh and Mark explore Google's latest suite of enhancements, including Gemini in Google Classroom, promoting advanced functionality in lesson planning and personalized learning tools. They highlight the innovative classroom management features now possible, particularly for English Language Learners, showcasing real-time translations and AI-driven assessments.

However, the excitement is tempered by a deep dive into Google's new licensing structure, which clouds the atmosphere with costs rising. The changes demand strategic planning from districts, especially where financial constraints loom large following the expiration of ESSER funds.

----more----

00:00:00-Intro

00:01:44-Supreme Court’s E-rate Decision

00:04:25-White House AI and Education Pledge

00:06:09-Federal Funding Pause Concerns

00:11:09-Google Announcements Overview

00:22:01-Google’s New Licensing Model

00:34:35-Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Welcome to this week's episode with Chris and Mark (Josh is on vacation!). We give a sneak peek of ISTE and its EdTech index and the five quality indicators that are setting new standards for EdTech vendors.

This episode also examines the timely topic of staff transitions over the summer, unpacking the challenges associated with tech handovers, account management, and also the juggling act of summer vacations.

A special highlight is the coverage of a recent study on the implementation of a cell phone ban in schools, exploring the profound impacts it has had on classroom culture, social interaction, and student focus.

Additionally, we discuss... AI! We check out some highlights of Microsoft's 2025 AI and education report.

00:00:00-Intro

00:00:57-ISTE Preview

00:04:11-EdTech Rebranding

00:05:43-Cell Phone Ban Study Findings

00:11:04-AI in Education Report

00:18:17-Handling Employee Departures

00:36:10-Upcoming Events and Conferences

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PowerGistics' favorite Chromebook damage excuses

Fortinet

Lightspeed

Prey - Email [email protected] and/or click this link for info! 15% off first year!

CTL

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Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

Buy some swag

X @k12techtalkpod

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Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join Josh, Chris, and Mark for Episode 219! We dive into the latest news, including the State of Maine's Yubikey deployment, the reintroduction of KOSA, and Google's Gemini and NotebookLM now available for K12. Plus, we'll cover the ongoing E-rate decision.

Our main topic for this episode: How are you deploying AI in your district now that major LLMs are available for K12? We'll discuss what districts should consider before turning on Gemini or CoPilot, whether to deploy to all grades, and the necessity of having an AI policy in place.

Don't miss this essential discussion for K12 tech leaders! For questions, email us at [email protected].

00:00:00-Intro

00:06:00-Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)

00:09:21-Gemini is now K-12

00:11:26-MFA for Maine!

00:19:12-Enabling AI for all ages

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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU.

Eaton - Lower Kuskokwim School District Success Story

Fortinet

VIZOR

VIZOR - Strafford R-VI (Missouri) Case Study

Extreme

Managed Methods

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Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

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X @k12techtalkpod

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Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

On this week's episode, Chris and Josh discuss guest WiFi, in particular whether or not to offer it to students during the school day, new employees (training, accounts, and more), and tech dept vacation days.

https://www.the74million.org/article/school-districts-unaware-boarddocs-software-published-their-private-files/

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/critical-fortinet-flaws-now-exploited-in-qilin-ransomware-attacks/

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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU. 

Fortinet

VIZOR

Extreme

Lightspeed

--------------------

Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

Buy some swag

X @k12techtalkpod

Facebook

Visit our LinkedIn

Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

On this week's episode, hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the Dept of Education's proposed budget and what the cuts could mean for K-12 education. Many of the programs may seem distant from our world but the trickle-down effects could be felt immediately for many districts.

We also dive into some additional changes at the FCC as well as MS-ISAC, as districts are learning that some services will now have an annual fee.

Our main topic this week is the RFP process - the good, the bad, and the ugly side of RFPs as well as how you can improve your RFPs with 5 simple tips. We break down our recommendations for your next RFP into this simple template that you can use to create a proposal that your vendors will want to respond to!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11435vbxeVSTWntTGFxTkzWlBatyEHlCfYEcmlgE6V4w/edit?usp=sharing

00:00:00-Introduction

00:11:30-More changes in the FCC and MS-ISAC

00:15:24-Dept of Ed's proposed budget

00:28:07-Writing a GOOD RFP

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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU. 

Fortinet

Prey - They are offering a 15% discount on the first year for customers referred by K12 Tech Talk! Visit https://preyproject.com/.

NTP

ManagedMethods

--------------------

Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

Buy some swag

X @k12techtalkpod

Facebook

Visit our LinkedIn

Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Tune in for an engaging chat about the latest educational AI updates from Microsoft, which include new tools and changes, such as Microsoft co-pilot chat features for students aged 13 and up. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of summer school technology mishaps. The hosts also discuss how to handle students' tech misadventures, exploring the delicate balance between discipline and education, and the importance of communication between educators and tech-savvy students.

k12sysadmin post we talk about

https://dayofai.org/families/day-of-ai-common-sense-media-ai-literacy-toolkit-for-families/ - link Mark mentions

00:00:00-Introduction

00:09:00-AI Updates from Microsoft & Day of AI

00:13:25-Supreme Court Decisions

00:21:20-Dealing with Student Misbehavior

00:30:32-A buggy Smartboard

00:34:50-Conversations with Students

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Eaton - PLAY THE GAME!

Fortinet

Prey - They are offering a 15% discount on the first year for customers referred by K12 Tech Talk! Visit https://preyproject.com/.

NTP

Lightspeed - Check out SIGNAL!!!

--------------------

Email us at [email protected]

OR [email protected]

Call us at 314-329-0363

Join the K12TechPro Community

Buy some swag

X @k12techtalkpod

Facebook

Visit our LinkedIn

Music by Colt Ball

Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.