Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Eugenia Lambert

Second Advisor

Dr. Feon Smith

Third Advisor

Dr. Stacey Murrell

Abstract

Cybersecurity threats targeting K-12 school districts continue to present challenges for educational leaders responsible for protecting district operations, networks, and sensitive student information. The purpose of this explanatory mixed-methods case study was to examine technology directors' perceptions of cybersecurity preparedness in West Virginia public school districts and to identify factors influencing preparedness and barriers to implementing effective cybersecurity measures.

Quantitative data were collected through a 31-item survey distributed to technology directors employed by West Virginia public school districts. Twenty-one participants completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 38.2%. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six technology directors. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to examine the data.

Findings indicated that cybersecurity preparedness was influenced by organizational capacity, including staffing, funding, technical expertise, leadership support, and competing responsibilities. Participants identified limited funding, insufficient cybersecurity expertise, and staffing shortages as significant barriers to implementing cybersecurity initiatives. Cybersecurity training was viewed as an important component of preparedness. Participants also described preparedness as an ongoing process requiring continuous adaptation to evolving cyber threats and emphasized the importance of employee awareness and organizational commitment. This study contributes to the limited research on cybersecurity preparedness in K-12 public school districts and provides insight into organizational and resource-related factors associated with preparedness. The findings may inform educational leaders and policymakers seeking to strengthen cybersecurity practices in schools.

Subject(s)

Educational leadership.

Public schools.

Education -- Technology.

Computer security -- Education.

West Virginia.

Computer networks -- Security measures.

School management and organization.

School administrators.

Information technology -- Management.

Internet in education.

Public schools -- Education (Secondary)

Public schools -- Education (Elementary)

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