A Refined Vision for the LTC

After months of collaboration, discussion and whiteboarding, we’re pleased to share our new FY26–FY28 Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will guide our work over the next three years as we continue to empower Illinois schools through technology.

Why now? Because the educational landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Emerging technologies, rising expectations for educators, and an urgent need for secure, equitable digital environments demand that organizations like the LTC stay agile, proactive, and visionary.

FY26-28 LTC Strategic Plan

What’s Inside? New Additions, Refined Focus

While many of our core commitments remain the same, this new plan brings fresh perspective, clarity, and ambition to our work. Here’s what makes the FY26–FY28 plan stand out:

Refreshed and Expanded Focus Areas

We’ve updated our nine focus areas to reflect the evolving needs of schools and the direction of educational technology. This includes the addition of Artificial Intelligence as a dedicated area of service and support, the incorporation of Digital Wellness into our broader digital literacy efforts, and the merging of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy into one cohesive domain—acknowledging the deep interconnection between protecting student data and maintaining secure learning environments.

Our complete list of focus areas now includes: Artificial Intelligence, Classroom Integration & Pedagogy, Computer Science & STEM, Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, Digital Equity, Digital Literacy & Wellness, Leadership & Capacity Building, Network & Systems Management, Technology Planning, Procurement, and Evaluation.

A New Set of Belief Statements

We codified seven belief statements that reflect the values driving our decisions and strategies:

1. Technology should drive student success.
2. Empowered educators are the foundation of impactful learning.
3. All students and educators deserve high-quality, responsive technology—no matter their location, income, or needs.
4. Schools must be equipped with emerging technologies and forward-thinking strategies to create future-ready learning environments.
5. Safety and security are non-negotiable.
6. There is tremendous power in collaboration and community.
7. Scalable, sustainable solutions create lasting impact.

These beliefs ground our mission and guide our day-to-day work.

Five Ambitious Organizational Goals

These are the pillars of our new strategy. Each goal speaks to a critical dimension of our work. Each is backed by departmental Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a framework that helps us set clear, measurable targets and track progress. This ensures every department’s efforts are aligned with our broader mission, keeping us both focused and accountable over the next three years.

Here are the five goals shaping our future:

1. Facilitate Timely, Relevant, and Actionable Professional Learning
   Build capacity by facilitating diverse, evidence-based professional learning experiences—including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats—that equip educators, leaders, IT professionals, and operational staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively leverage technology across teaching, learning, operations, data systems, and leadership.
2. Provide Expert Consulting and Resources to Support K-12 Technology in Schools
   Offer consulting, guidance, and curated resources that equip educators, leaders, IT professionals and operational staff with knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively plan, implement, and improve technology across teaching, learning, leadership, and operations.
3. Deliver Scalable, Sustainable, and Needs-Driven Technology Services and Solutions
   Develop services and solutions to support districts in planning, implementing, and sustaining secure, effective, equitably accessible, and future-ready technology across instruction, operations, and leadership.
4. Position the LTC as a Forward-Thinking Thought Partner and National Voice
   Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborator to districts and education leaders by providing insights, strategic guidance, and forward-looking solutions that address current needs, anticipate future opportunities, and contribute to statewide and national edtech leadership and policy conversations.
5. Develop and Sustain a High-Performing LTC Team
   Invest in staff recruitment, retention, professional growth, and leadership development while fostering a collaborative culture that values a wide range of perspectives and experiences, strengthening internal systems and workflows, and building organizational capacity to meet current and future demands for comprehensive technology leadership, services, and innovation.

These goals provide the foundation for our strategy—and the fuel for our innovation.

Looking Ahead

The launch of this strategic plan is just the beginning. Over the next three years, the LTC will use this framework to:

• Expand and adapt our professional learning offerings
• Enhance our consulting services and digital resources
• Develop scalable, sustainable technology solutions
• Amplify our presence as a statewide and national thought partner
• Invest in the development and growth of our internal team

We believe this plan positions the LTC to be an even stronger partner to Illinois schools—one that listens, adapts, and leads with purpose. Moreover, we’re excited about what it makes possible: more meaningful support for educators, more accessible technology for all students, and stronger, more resilient school systems.

Explore the full FY26-28 LTC Strategic Plan or reach out to collaborate—we’d love to connect.