Transforming K-12 Education with Strategic Technology Leadership

Jason Piazza, Director of Technology, Tomball Independent School District

Jason Piazza, Director of Technology, Tomball Independent School District

Jason Piazza is an accomplished Education Technology leader with nearly two decades of experience in technology leadership within K-12 and higher education. As the Director of Technology at Tomball Independent School District, he is dedicated to enhancing student outcomes by implementing innovative digital solutions, strengthening cybersecurity and optimizing technical infrastructure. His expertise spans network engineering, system infrastructure, physical security, cloud service deployments and device management.

Piazza has successfully restructured teams throughout his career to improve responsiveness and effectiveness while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Before transitioning to public schools, he spent 10 years in higher education as a Computer Science lab instructor, technician, network engineer, support manager and adjunct faculty.

Recognizing Piazza’s leadership in educational technology, this interview explores his vision for Tomball ISD—driving innovation, cybersecurity and digital accessibility to create a secure, futureready learning environment.

Mastering Technology Leadership in Education: Innovation, Security and Scalability

My role revolves around providing technology leadership for the district—not just within the tech department but across the entire organization. That means working closely with district leaders, campus administrators and instructional technology teams to ensure the systems we implement are high-quality, cost-effective and truly impactful for teachers and students.

At the core of every decision I make is a simple question: How can technology improve the learning experience? Every system upgrade and every investment I make are filtered through that lens.

“It’s not about having the latest tools for innovation—it’s about ensuring technology serves a purpose in the classroom, making teaching more effective and learning more engaging”

Right now, cybersecurity is a major focus. It’s a priority for every industry, but the stakes are incredibly high in education. We’re not just protecting systems; we’re safeguarding student and staff data, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and maintaining the operational integrity of the entire district. While the basics—firewalls, account security and network protections—are foundational, we’re also pushing forward on data privacy and governance, making sure every piece of information we handle is managed responsibly.

A cybersecurity incident isn’t just an IT problem. It can disrupt everything from lesson plans to district-wide operations. That’s why we’re taking a proactive approach, modernizing security infrastructure and ensuring we’re prepared for whatever challenges come next.

AT A GLANCE

Classroom-First Technology – Every tech decision is filtered through one lens—how does this improve the learning experience? Technology must serve a purpose, making teaching more effective and learning more engaging.
Enterprise Scale, Education Budget – Running infrastructure for 23,000 students requires Fortune 500-level systems without matching resources. Success requires strategic licensing decisions and creative resource management.
Cybersecurity as Cultural Practice – Protection goes beyond firewalls to creating a district-wide mindset. Implementing least-privilege access, immutable backups and managed detection tools while prioritizing student data privacy.
Leadership Through Presence – Effective IT leadership means exiting the desk. Campus visits, direct accessibility via personal cell phone and firsthand problem assessment build trust and accountability.

Strategic IT Leadership: Balancing Scale, Budget and Impact

Running the technology infrastructure for a school district of 23,000 students is no small task. It takes careful planning, creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of what students and teachers need. While our network operates on a scale similar to a Fortune 500 company, we don’t have massive budgets or IT teams like them. That means we have to be smart about every decision we make.

One of the biggest areas we focus on is software licensing. Many vendors price their products based on the number of users, but in education, that definition doesn’t always make sense. A kindergartner using a learning app for 30 minutes a day doesn’t need the same license as an engineer using enterprise-level software. So, instead of just accepting off-the-shelf pricing, we work with vendors to create flexible licensing models that match how students and teachers actually use technology.

We’re always thinking about the bigger picture. We invest in technology that can grow with our district, choose partners who understand the unique challenges of education and find creative ways to stretch our budget without sacrificing quality. That balance isn’t always easy, but it keeps our schools running smoothly and ensures every student has access to the tools they need to succeed.

Creating a Culture of IT Excellence: Leadership Meets Collaboration

Technology leadership is about more than managing systems. It’s about building relationships, fostering collaboration and ensuring IT genuinely supports education. Open communication and continuous feedback are key to making that happen.

Each month, we meet with district and campus leaders to discuss technology needs and challenges. Beyond these meetings, I make it a priority to visit department heads and principals in person. These conversations provide real-time feedback, uncover pain points and help ensure our technology services align with educators’ needs.

Accessibility is just as important as communication. Every district and campus leader has my direct cell phone number and I encourage them to call or text whenever an issue arises. IT shouldn’t feel like a slow, bureaucratic process; it should be a responsive, hands-on service that puts the classroom first.

Our team fully embraces this mindset, even turning customer satisfaction into friendly competition. Our Help Desk software sends out random surveys and team members take pride in earning the highest satisfaction ratings.

Leading with Presence: The Power of Hands-On IT Leadership

Strong technology leadership starts with being present. That’s why I make it a point to step out of the office and into the schools, meeting the people who rely on our systems every day.

While not every teacher may know my name, the front offices do because we show up. When a problem arises, I don’t just send a team—I go with them. Walking into classrooms, working alongside our managers and seeing issues firsthand allows us to make informed decisions and build trust with educators. When your team knows you have their back, they perform at a higher level.

Another key piece of advice? Talk to teachers and listen to their concerns. The feedback may not always be what you want to hear, but it’s what you need to hear. Teachers know what’s really happening in their classrooms and it’s our job to take their input seriously. Whether it’s adjusting processes, refining systems or making strategic decisions about new technology, their insights should shape our approach.