E-rate Commentary

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

When Assumptions Collide

Over the past few weeks I’ve been writing about upstream thinking — preventing problems before they happen. But leadership doesn’t always give you that luxury. Recently I found myself in...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

Resiliency Is Becoming a Baseline Expectation for School Networks

For many years, E-rate discussions focused on speed and affordability. Today, another factor is increasingly shaping how schools and libraries design their networks: resiliency. Connectivity is now tied to instruction,...

E-rate PIA Review: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Navigating the Program Integrity Assurance (PIA), E-rate program process for reviewing Form 471 to ensure compliance with FCC and program rules, can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. But understanding...

Cathy Cruzan, CEMP

by Cathy Cruzan

Showcasing the Impact of E-rate Ahead of the SHLB Congressional Fly-In

Next week, broadband advocates from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., for the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) Congressional Fly-In. The annual event brings together leaders...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

Press the Button for the Next Person

I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of going “upstream.” Recently I’ve been reading Upstream by Chip Heath, which explores how leaders often spend enormous time reacting to problems...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

February 25, 2026

Stop Solving the Wrong Problem

One of the most common leadership traps I see is this: treating recurring issues as isolated incidents. Something goes wrong. We jump in. We correct it. We patch it. We...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

February 19, 2026

Agreement Is Not Commitment

One of the most misleading signals in leadership is a room full of nodding heads. I’ve sat in plenty of meetings where everyone “agreed.” No objections. No pushback. No visible...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

February 11, 2026

Leaders Set the Pace — Whether They Mean To or Not

Over the past few weeks, I’ve written about a few related leadership ideas. I shared how experience teaches you not to chase every issue, but to position yourself well and...