EdGate Powers Podcast #28- with Mindy Fiscus
Education technology providers and publishers are entering an increasingly complex K-12 marketplace where procurement, student data privacy, accessibility, and technology requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. While many states share similar standards and expectations, differences in purchasing models, local policies, and implementation can make it difficult for organizations to scale across multiple markets. The challenge is finding ways to meet state-specific requirements without unnecessarily rebuilding processes for every state, while demonstrating that technology investments deliver meaningful value for schools and students.
In this episode of the EdGate Powers Podcast, Rich Portelance speaks with Mindy Fiscus, Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing at the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, about how education technology providers and publishers can navigate state procurement and compliance requirements while building stronger relationships with schools and districts. The discussion explores how purchasing models differ across states, why student data privacy and accessibility are becoming increasingly important, and how standards crosswalks, established agreements, and local partnerships can help providers expand without reinventing their approach for every market.
Fiscus also discusses several trends influencing the future of K-12 education, including the growing importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE), expanded workforce partnerships, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, broadband access, and more individualized approaches to learning. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of demonstrating measurable outcomes, understanding local needs, protecting student information, and giving educators and students opportunities to use technology creatively and responsibly.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How state-by-state edtech procurement processes differ and what providers should know before entering a new market.
- Why student data privacy and accessibility requirements are increasingly important when schools evaluate technology.
- How standards crosswalks and existing agreements can help providers avoid duplicating work across states.
- Why demonstrating measurable outcomes can strengthen an edtech provider's ability to win contracts and expand into new districts.
- How Career and Technical Education (CTE) is connecting students with employers, community colleges, and local workforce needs.
- How schools are approaching artificial intelligence through professional learning, local policies, and responsible use.
- Why cybersecurity should be treated as an education leadership and emergency planning issue, not solely a technology responsibility.
- How individualized learning, creativity tools, project-based learning, and emerging technologies are creating new ways for students to demonstrate what they know.
Why This Conversation Matters
As education technology becomes increasingly embedded in teaching, learning, and school operations, providers must navigate more than instructional requirements when bringing products to market. State procurement models, student data privacy laws, accessibility expectations, cybersecurity concerns, and local decision-making processes can all influence whether a technology solution is adopted and successfully implemented. Understanding these factors is essential for organizations seeking to build sustainable partnerships with schools and districts.
Organizations that combine strong products with measurable evidence, state-specific knowledge, responsible technology practices, and meaningful relationships with education leaders will be better positioned to navigate complex procurement environments and support long-term adoption. At the same time, emerging priorities such as CTE, AI, cybersecurity, broadband access, and individualized learning are creating new opportunities for providers that can demonstrate how technology addresses authentic needs in schools and communities.
Join Rich and Mindy as they explore how education technology providers and publishers can navigate state procurement and compliance. Not by creating 50 entirely different approaches, but by understanding local requirements, building strong partnerships, demonstrating meaningful outcomes, and helping education leaders make informed decisions about technology.
Learn how to understand increasingly complex state procurement processes, student data privacy requirements, accessibility standards, and much more.
Mindy Fiscus is the Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing at the Learning Technology Center, where she brings 20 years of educational technology expertise to her work with Illinois schools. In addition to serving as one of the state’s E-rate Coordinators, she represents Illinois on the State Technology Directors’ Association board. Mindy helps districts navigate the E-rate application process to secure cost-effective internet access and network equipment, while also supporting state and federal efforts to advance personalized, research-based digital learning. She is an active member of the Illinois Classroom Connectivity Initiative, working in partnership with ISBE, DoIT, and the Governor’s office to ensure schools have access to the infrastructure and digital resources they need.
Rich is passionate about eEdTech and helping people discover pathways to successful careers. He leverages his many years of business experience in strategy, product development, brand creation, and sales & marketing as a frequent industry speaker and sought-after consultant.
Beginning his career in digital marketing and web development, Rich was recruited into the private, independent school market to help usher in digital technologies and social media. During this time, Richard served as a student advisor and was nominated to serve on the CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) Technology Commission. In 2012, Rich joined York & Chapel, a brand and digital transformation agency where he began working with secondary and higher ed clients, developing strategies for student engagement and pathway creation. In 2014, Richard founded CareerPath, a SaaS engagement platform. Over the past ten years, Rich has given back to the industry as an advisor to numerous EdTech startups, and generally has had a blast doing what he loves to do — help others succeed.
Questions Answered
During the podcast, we tackle plenty of critical questions about how providers and publishers should navigate increasingly decentralized state requirements.
- How do state-by-state differences in K–12 education technology procurement affect edtech providers seeking contracts?
- What accessibility standards and requirements do Illinois schools need to consider when evaluating education technology?
- How does the Illinois education technology vetting and approval process work before products can be selected by schools?
- What steps do education technology providers need to take to meet state standards and legislative requirements?
- What are the current state-level requirements for career and technical education (CTE), and what are schools looking for from CTE technology providers?
- How are edtech providers developing new tools and modules to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs?
- What types of education technology infrastructure projects are eligible for E-Rate funding, including fiber and broadband access?
- What AI regulations and requirements are states such as Illinois implementing for K–12 education?
- What overarching cybersecurity principles and requirements should K–12 schools consider when evaluating education technology?
- What education technology trends are schools adopting, and what new technologies or solutions are emerging in K–12 education?
- What are the most important takeaways for K–12 education leaders and technology providers when navigating these issues?