Shaping AI Strategy in Wisconsin Schools: Inside the Leveraging Technology AcademyBy Danielle Bosanec, Ph.D., Director of Professional Development, WASBO As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape education, district leaders are asking the same question: how do we move from experimentation to intentional, strategic implementation? The Leveraging Technology Academy was designed to answer that question—and to do it together. A collaborative effort between the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA), the Leveraging Technology Academy brings cross-functional district teams together for a practical, future-focused learning experience. Participating districts attend as teams that often include superintendents, business managers, teaching and learning leaders, technology leaders, and principals—ensuring that technology planning is aligned across both instructional and operational perspectives. At the heart of the academy is the development of a district-specific AI blueprint. Rather than focusing on tools alone, the academy guides teams through strategic conversations about AI readiness, governance, instructional impact, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The result is a clearer, more confident approach to implementing artificial intelligence and technology in ways that support student learning and district goals. A defining feature of the Leveraging Technology Academy is its discovery and design labs. In these hands-on sessions, teams engage directly with a variety of technology resources, explore real-world use cases, and test ideas in a collaborative environment. Over the course of the academy, participants also benefit from robust networking opportunities with peers who share similar roles. Districts also share resources, policies, and lessons learned, helping teams avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their progress. In the 2026–27 school year, the Leveraging Technology Academy will be offered across Wisconsin to increase access for districts statewide. Sessions will take place in the Sparta area in Summer 2026; the Milwaukee and Eau Claire areas in Fall 2026; and the Madison and Fox Valley areas in Spring 2027. Dates and details will be available in spring 2026. To learn more about the Leveraging Technology Academy, visit: |