Education Leaders Build Cyber Defense Skills at 2025 Cybersecurity Summit

ESD 113 brings together administrators and technology directors to strengthen digital security across rural school districts.

Sixty education professionals learned ransomware response strategies, tested AI crisis tools, and compared notes on actual cyberattacks at the ESD 113 administration building in Tumwater on November 7, 2025.

The day gave participants tools they could use right away to protect students, staff, and data.

Learning from Real Attacks

Justin Snair, CEO of Preppr.ai, opened the summit by demonstrating how AI makes emergency preparedness accessible for rural schools. Small districts can access crisis readiness tools without large budgets or specialized staff.

The closing panel got specific. Leaders from Franklin Pierce School District, Port of Seattle, Rochester School District, and Wa He Lut Tribal School described what happened when cyberattacks hit their systems. Liza Francisco-Voss, Perry Cooper, Justin Black, and Jack Angus shared what worked, what failed, and what they'd learned.

“We learn best from each other,” said ESD 113 Technology Services Director Brandon Kahler, who organized the technology track. “The peer connections formed today will continue long after this Summit ends.”

Two Tracks, Different Skills

Participants chose sessions based on their roles.

Administrators built leadership skills. They learned about secure software procurement from Jeff Strunk. April Mardock from WSIPC covered credit card payment compliance. Justin Snair led AI workshops. Kristen Jaudon facilitated crisis communication. Dr. Dana Anderson from WSIPC addressed how staff training creates both protection and risk.

Technology directors tackled technical problems. ESD 113’s Kyle Jorgensen and Keanen Boeholt-Lovgren shared budget-friendly security strategies. Brandon Kahler walked through ransomware response. Casey Schmidt, Centralia College CTO, described rebuilding an entire network after an attack. A peer panel—Matthew Ross (Napavine School District), Justin Black (Rochester School District), Derek Stewart (North Thurston Public Schools), and Jonathan Maynard (Yelm Community Schools)—closed the track with collaborative problem-solving.

What Participants Gained

Attendees left with prioritized security improvement lists, planning templates, and assessment tools. They connected with professionals across the state who face similar challenges. They now understand current regulations and upcoming requirements. They learned how to maximize security spending on any budget.

“This event created space for honest conversations about the challenges we face,” said Dr. Shannon Thissen, who coordinated the event and the administrator track. “Participants left ready to take action—and they know they're not alone in this work.”