Dustin Gray leads Information Technology Services at Santa Rosa County District Schools in Florida, supporting technology across close to 40 sites.

In this episode of Strategic Syncing, Dustin joins James Symons to discuss the pressures facing public education and K-12 technology teams, from tighter budgets and changing enrolment to AI, privacy and the challenge of doing more with less.

Dustin explains why potential changes to funding programs such as E-Rate create real concern for technology leaders.

When infrastructure costs rise, the impact goes beyond one budget line. It can affect device replacement cycles, network investment and the district’s ability to continue delivering technology at the same level.

That pressure is forcing school IT teams to think differently.

Dustin talks about extending the life of devices, considering refurbished hardware, reviewing duplicate software and finding new ways to stretch limited resources without losing sight of students.

The conversation also explores AI.

Dustin believes students need exposure to AI if schools want them prepared for the future, but that access has to come with appropriate guardrails around privacy, data and responsible use.

He also argues that educators need time to understand these tools themselves before they can guide students effectively.

Beyond technology, Dustin shares how he approaches leadership during uncertain periods.

He believes leaders need to be honest about difficult circumstances, listen to their people and create enough consistency that employees know what version of their leader will walk through the door each day.

This episode is a conversation about K-12 IT, funding, AI, leadership and the often-invisible people keeping school technology running behind the scenes.