Tech-enabled governance: Driving impact in education and government
For public boards within K-12 education and local government, a transformative era is unfolding, profoundly impacting how these entities operate and engage with their communities. Stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and modernized community engagement. Simultaneously, the allure of artificial intelligence (AI) has captivated the world, promising to redefine organizational processes and communication.
Yet, amid this progress, anxiety exists regarding exposure to novel IT and cyber risks. Public leaders grapple with the challenge of demonstrating proactive risk management to satisfy increasingly stringent data security and privacy regulations. The conventional approaches to governance are no longer sufficient in the face of these complexities.
With that in mind, how can public leaders forge forward-thinking strategies that harmonize the potential of modern technologies with their inherent risks? Embracing digital transformation emerges as the answer. By harnessing the power of technology, public boards can streamline processes, enhance decision-making and foster robust community engagement.
We explore the driving forces accelerating digital transformation and look at how the right technology can empower public boards to navigate the digital era with confidence and success.
Embracing generative AI in the public sector: A prudent approach
Generative AI has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing many sectors, including education and local government. While its potential is undeniable, public organizations must proceed with caution, ensuring that appropriate policies and safeguards are in place.
Richard Barber, CEO and Board Director of Mind Tech Group, emphasizes the significance of developing an AI framework, drawing inspiration from resources such as the NIST framework. This framework can provide a comprehensive blueprint for organizations to navigate the complexities of AI implementation, incorporating strategies and policies that foster responsible and effective utilization of this technology.
If your board or leadership does not have an AI framework in place, they should. This should include strategy as well as the policies. Get some training, get some help. Take a look at the NIST framework. It has a 7-page playbook with an AI framework that you can use as a starting point.” — Richard Barber, CEO & Board Director, Mind Tech Group
It is also essential to recognize that AI's effectiveness hinges on the quality of data it processes. As large language models (LLMs) form the backbone of generative AI, the accuracy and reliability of their outputs directly correlate with the quality of the data pools they are trained on. Therefore, organizations must prioritize data quality to ensure that AI-driven decisions are well-informed and accurate.
Prioritizing data security and privacy in the digital age
The proliferation of technology has undoubtedly enhanced communication and collaboration within public organizations. However, this increased reliance on digital tools also magnifies the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. To mitigate these risks, public boards must implement robust data security measures, including secure document storage and granular permission controls for internal communication. Diligent Community offers advanced security features that safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with stringent data protection regulations.
Furthermore, public boards should encourage a culture of cybersecurity awareness among their members and staff. This involves educating stakeholders about potential threats, promoting the adoption of strong passwords, and discouraging the downloading, printing and emailing of sensitive documents. By fostering a proactive approach to cybersecurity, public organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches and protect the sensitive information entrusted to them.
Fostering inclusivity and community engagement through technology
Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and community engagement. By leveraging digital tools, public boards can connect with stakeholders who are unable to attend meetings in person due to remote locations, work schedules or other constraints. Livestreaming public meetings, providing access to meeting materials online and enabling virtual participation in discussions enhances transparency, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating meaningful community engagement.
Dr. R.J. Gravel, Associate Superintendent of Glenbrook High School District 225, shares their positive experience with implementing livestreaming. They have witnessed an increase in remote and in-person attendance, enhanced community participation, and a heightened sense of trust due to increased transparency. To foster effective community engagement in the digital age, public boards must embrace technology and meet their communities where they are – online.
"After implementing livestreaming, we have seen an increase in attendance both remote and in person, an increase in community participation both informal and formal, and an increase in trust because of the transparency.” - Dr. R.J. Gravel, Associate Superintendent, Glenbrook High School District 225
Resolute Bay in Canada also serves as a compelling example of how Diligent Community empowers digital transformation within communities. By leveraging technology, Resolute Bay has been able to deliver public meeting documents in the local native language while enhancing public engagement. Their success story underscores the transformative potential of digital tools in modernizing public governance.
Streamlining policy development, adoption and publishing
Policy development is an intricate and time-consuming process, often involving multiple stakeholders and numerous revisions. Diligent Community offers a comprehensive policy management solution that streamlines policy development, adoption and publishing. This allows for efficient drafting, review and approval of policies. Additionally, the ability to track policy history, including adoption dates, rescissions and replacements, enhances transparency and accountability.
School policy documents are legal, public-facing documents. As such, your district is required to comply with documenting its policies. Policies help establish the board and district’s course of action, providing consistency and continuity. They also serve as a communication and accountability tool. “Tackling your school policies requires a mindset change,” advises Scott Peters, School Board Chair of Monadnock Regional School District, New Hampshire.
In conclusion, public boards in K-12 education and local government can no longer afford to rely on conventional approaches. The demands for transparency, modernized community engagement and effective risk management necessitate the adoption of digital technologies.
By embracing the power of technology, public leaders can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, foster inclusivity and navigate the digital era with confidence and success.
To read more on this and learn more practical tips, download our education and government board playbook for navigating governance in the digital era.
What will you discover at Elevate 2024?
If you liked what you read in this recap from last year's event, join us for Elevate 2024 (formerly Modern Governance Summit) in Houston this September 8-11, 2024. As the premier gathering for industry leaders, innovators and governance experts, this year’s summit aims to equip you with insights and expertise to strategically implement the right technology into your organization.
Whether you represent a multi-national or a public sector agency or a nonprofit organization, Elevate 2024 promises to be a transformative event that will leave a lasting impact on your institution. With opportunities to earn continuing education credits and make valuable connections with your peers, there’s every reason to secure your spot now.
This is your once-a-year opportunity to elevate your governance and learn about the Diligent One Platform, designed to help you easily centralize your entire GRC practice with a suite of governance, audit, risk and compliance solutions. Register today to secure your spot at Elevate 2024.
