Welcome to Episode 18 of Zero Breach Zone. Hosts Phil Hintz and Andy Lombardo sit down with Maurice Payne, Director of IT for Decatur Public Schools, to talk about his journey from corporate America to K–12 EdTech.

Maurice shares his approach to leading technology in a school district, what excites him most about tackling cybersecurity challenges, and why moving toward NIST standards is critical for accountability and continuous improvement. He also reflects on his time in the CTO Academy and the powerful mentorship he received from EdTech leaders Sheryl Abshire and Frankie Jackson (both past podcast guests).

Whether you’re an IT leader, educator, or EdTech partner, this episode is packed with insights on building secure, future-ready schools.

Key Takeaways:

• Maurice Payne’s transition from corporate IT to K–12 EdTech leadership
• His approach to the role and key cybersecurity priorities
• Lessons from the CTO Academy and mentorship from Sheryl Abshire & Frankie Jackson
• Why NIST standards matter for accountability and improvement
• Breaking cybersecurity into manageable steps
• E-rate funding’s role in advancing EdTech
• Building networks and driving continuous improvement
• The importance of governance, documentation, and staff buy-in
• Parting Tool: Always remember the power of networking and stepping outside your comfort zone—whether it’s within your district or at a conference. Learning from peers and building support networks is essential for growth

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to EdTech and Jennifer Womble
03:01 Jennifer's Journey in Education
06:09 The Evolution of FETC
09:02 Building a National EdTech Community
11:56 Cybersecurity in Education
14:58 Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment
18:00 Intentionality in Conference Design
21:04 Engaging Students in Cybersecurity Awareness
23:31 The Importance of Cybersecurity Education
24:54 Engaging Students in Cybersecurity
26:56 Understanding Cyber Threats
28:43 Data Privacy and Student Awareness
30:07 Innovative Tools for Educators
32:42 Experiential Learning in VR
37:21 FETC Insights and Opportunities