A Roadmap for Sustaining and Scaling Innovation

Michelle Bourgeois, Chief Technology Officer at St. Vrain Valley Schools

Michelle Bourgeois, Chief Technology Officer at St. Vrain Valley Schools

For the past 15 years, Michelle Bourgeois has served St. Vrain Valley Schools in many capacities, including her current role as Chief Technology Officer. The SVVSD Learning Technology Program which began in 2012 is seen as a model of excellence in supporting learning with technology and has been recognized by CoSN, ISTE, the Learning Counsel, and Apple.

Across her 30 years in the field of education, Michelle has led professional development for districts across the country on technology, leadership and learning and has worked as a consultant and writer for several non-profits and national corporations including PBS, Apple, and Scholastic. She currently serves on the board of the Colorado Tech Association (CTA) and the Colorado Association of Leaders in EdTech (CALET)

1. Michelle’s honors and recognitions include:

2. Apple Distinguished Educator

3. O’Rourke Prize, Learning Forward Colorado

4. Info-Tech Visionary Leader

5. Colorado Technology Association CIO of the Year

6. Colorado Association of Leaders in EdTech CTO of the Year

7. EdTech K12 Magazine Top 30 Influencer

8. Cisco Webex Luminary

In an era where technology is transforming every aspect of education, school districts must take deliberate steps to ensure that innovation is not only introduced but also sustained and scaled effectively. As a CTO leading St. Vrain Valley Schools, a public school district in Colorado, I have witnessed firsthand the excitement that new technologies can generate in classrooms—from robotics and 3D printing to virtual reality and the current rise of artificial intelligence. I have also seen how quickly the initial buzz can fizzle without a clear strategy for support and sustainability.

“Sustaining and scaling innovation in education is not about jumping on the latest technology bandwagon; it’s about thoughtful, deliberate growth that places student learning at the center"

For technology to have a lasting impact on instruction, it must go beyond isolated adoptions. What districts need is a thoughtful, structured approach to guide how these tools evolve from innovative explorations into district-wide resources that enhance learning for all students. That is where frameworks like our Innovative Tech Framework—grounded in the work of Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory—come into play.

The Four Phases of Sustainable Innovation

At the heart of our district’s approach is a four-phase process that guides technologies from early exploration to district-wide adoption. While not every tool will progress through all stages—and some may remain as niche innovations—this structure ensures that we are deliberate in how we move forward.

Our framework provides a common vocabulary when discussing emerging technology and outlines the considerations and stakeholders to be involved in the exploration. The four phases are as follows:

Innovation: This is where new technology starts—being tested by a small group or even just one classroom. At this point, we consider fundamental questions: Does it meet privacy and security standards? Can our infrastructure support it? This phase is about sparking new ideas while ensuring a thoughtful approach.

Early Adoption: Once a technology shows promise, it often begins to appear in several locations. At this point, we consider how the technology aligns with curriculum and learning goals. This is where we determine if a tool can grow from a handful of classrooms to a district-wide initiative. In order to be considered for wider adoption, a series of critical questions come to the forefront: Is it scalable, sustainable, and supportable? Is it good for student learning?

Early Mainstream: If a technology shows promise, it expands further, but with intentionality. This phase is marked by targeted support from our IT department, curriculum leaders, and office of professional development. It is about ensuring that resources are in place to ensure success on a larger scale. We make sure that teachers are prepared and supported so that the tool enhances instruction.

Mainstream: A final stage occurs when innovation is ready for district-wide adoption. By this point, a full plan is in place to support and refresh the technology over time. Training is available for all staff, and feedback mechanisms are in place to ensure the tool remains effective. At this stage, it’s no longer an experiment; it’s part of the fabric of our educational system.

The Importance of Long-Term Vision

One of the most common pitfalls in technology adoption is focusing too much on the immediate benefits without a plan for the long term. I’ve seen many technologies come and go—some rising quickly in popularity, only to disappear just as fast when support dwindled or newer, better alternatives emerged.

To avoid this, districts must create pathways that allow for continuous improvement. Not every tool will move to full-scale adoption, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s essential to recognize when a technology has reached its limits and to shift resources accordingly. The key is having a process in place to make these decisions thoughtfully and collaboratively.

A Framework to Navigate the Age of AI

The exponential rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is one area where a structured, thoughtful approach is more critical than ever. As AI rapidly expands from niche applications to ubiquitous tools in classrooms, districts face an inflection point. The current opportunity for educators to explore AI’s potential in smaller, controlled environments will soon be overtaken by an expectation of widespread access and use. Without a clear framework, districts risk being caught off guard by the speed of this transition.

Our Innovative Tech Framework ensures that as AI tools enter the education landscape, we do not rush headlong into their adoption. Questions like “Is it scalable? Is it supportable? Is it sustainable? Is it good for students and learning?” guide us in evaluating these new technologies. In the case of AI, these questions take on even greater urgency as ethical considerations around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the role of AI in student assessments come into play.

Conclusion: Thoughtful Growth over Rapid Expansion

Sustaining and scaling innovation in education is not about jumping on the latest technology bandwagon. It’s about thoughtful, deliberate growth that places student learning at the center. By creating structured pathways for innovation and fostering collaboration between IT and instructional teams, school districts can ensure that the tools they adopt are not only exciting but transformative—and built to last.

In the end, the most successful districts are those that view innovation not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing process of learning, testing, and growing. That is how we ensure that technology truly enhances education and prepares students for the future.

Michelle believes technology is a window to the world and a gateway to the future for today's learners. With thoughtful implementation and an eye to the horizon, technology can become the fulcrum by which schools reach new heights.