Solving the Hidden Challenges to Increasing Student Achievement and Growth

Dean currently leads the Education Data and Information Systems team at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Responsible for leading the CIO Network of State Education Agency (SEA) technology and data leads along with managing the Education Information Management Advisory Collaborative (EIMAC). Priority supports for state education departments include Digital Equity, Digital Transformation and Modernization, and data interoperability opportunities for education systems through collaboration and coordination. Prior to joining CCSSO, Dean served as the CIO at the Nebraska Department of Education and has worked in a variety of capacities including national nonprofit organizations in Career Technical Education, Agricultural Education student leadership development.

Shahryar Khazei is a seasoned IT executive with over 36 years of experience in the private and public education industry. He was the Chief Information Officer of the nation’s second largest school district, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where he directed over 700 employees and managed a budget of over $350 million. Khazei was named CTO of the Year by the Council of Great City School in 2014. In 2021, he joined the Board of Directors at the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN). Shahryar has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University.

Don Wolff is the current Chief Technology Officer of Portland Public Schools (PPS) in Portland, Oregon. PPS is the largest school district in Oregon and is dedicated to creating exceptional and equitable opportunities for all students. He has devoted his professional career to public education serving for over 30 years in various capacities. Don has been an elementary teacher working with students in grades 2, 4, and 5 and has been a technology leader 20 of those years. He holds a Masters degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University and is a licensed administrator for the state of Oregon.