Technically Speaking

Over the last few years, AI has been the hot topic of conversation in SLED IT. We’ve seen AI move from theoretical to actual implementation. SLED agencies are now deploying AI across a wide range of use cases including citizen services, workforce productivity, document processing, case management, fraud detection, and analytics and decision support, among others.

Kirsten Baesler, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, made clear in an August 2026 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) that technology certainly plays an important role in education. At the same time, vendors and partners need to increase transparency and shoulder accountability with schools regarding student success and outcomes.

In FY27, state and local governments are navigating a complex technology environment amid changes in policy, the accelerated adoption of emerging tech, and the rapid growth of digital services and citizen expectations. Cloud adoption continues to impact technology consumption; AI is introducing challenges around data, security, governance and contracting; and agencies are facing mounting pressures to modernize aging systems while becoming more efficient and generating measurable long-term ROI.

For Sandy Austell, continuous improvement isn't just a business philosophy; it's a way of life.Throughout a career spanning luxury automotive, business ownership, community leadership and now public sector technology, Sandy has been guided by a simple belief: there is always an opportunity to learn, improve and create a better outcome. It's a mindset rooted in Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement, and one that continues to shape both her personal and professional life. 

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) recently hosted the 2026 Defense Health Information Technology Symposium (DHITS) in New Orleans, bringing together more than 2,200 attendees to discuss the future of military health IT.  The clear message throughout the event was that technology, data, and digital capabilities are increasingly viewed as a combat support capability directly tied to warfighter readiness. 

For Haley Tonizzo, relationships are built long before any transactions occur.As a Program Administrator on the DLT Solutions PMO and Operations team, Haley serves as one of the first points of contact for new resellers and channel partners. While onboarding often feels like a never-ending series of forms, documents and administrative steps, Haley views the process as something more substantial: the foundation of a strong partnership.And that's why she focuses not only on what needs to happen now, but also what comes next.