In this episode of The IT Director's Playbook, we sit down with Michelle Krieger, Data Protection Officer for Lake Shore Central School District in New York and the keynote speaker at the TETA Summer Institute 2026, where this interview was recorded.Michelle has spent her career as a special education teacher, technology integration specialist, IT director, and now one of New York's first dedicated Data Protection Officers. As states across the country begin paying closer attention to student data privacy, AI governance, and cybersecurity, she shares why she believes this shift is coming to school districts nationwide.We discuss what a Data Protection Officer actually does, why data privacy is no longer just an IT responsibility, and how district leaders can begin building a culture of digital trust. Michelle also shares practical advice on AI policies, vendor management, governance teams, staff training, incident response, phishing awareness, ransomware recovery, and why every district should be thinking about protecting student data long before legislation requires it.Whether you're an IT Director, Superintendent, Technology Coordinator, or school leader, this conversation offers practical ideas you can begin implementing immediately—regardless of your district's size or budget.Michelle's BookAvailable on Amazon:From Chalk Dust to Digital TrustFrom Chalk Dust to Digital Trust: A Guide in Data Privacy and Security for K-12 LeadersReal conversations. Real leadership. Real solutions for K-12 technology.Powered by Ambit Solutions.