At a time when district leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity, a new leadership platform is aiming to change how superintendents connect, learn, and lead.
Unveiled this week at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2026 in Orlando, DA+ is a next-generation leadership platform designed to give superintendents and senior district administrators always-on access to peer expertise, practical frameworks, and real-world solutions—exactly when they’re needed.
A BIG PLUS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS. Dr. Baron Davis, strategic advisor for DA+ and former Superintendent of Richland School District 2; Amy Dujon, Vice President, Education & Summits, Arc Network; Dr. Barbara Mullen, Superintendent, Rush-Henrietta Central School District (NY).
District leaders rarely have the luxury of time. When a crisis escalates, a community issue erupts, or a high-stakes decision lands on a superintendent’s desk, waiting weeks for training or guidance isn’t an option.
That reality is what led to the creation of DA+, developed by Community EDU to connect education’s top decision-makers to a national network of fellow leaders and a curated library of battle-tested resources drawn from districts across the country.
“Education leaders don’t have time to wait,” says Amy Dujon (pictured, above middle), Vice President of Education for Community EDU. “When a crisis hits the boardroom or a community concern escalates, leaders need solutions now—not six weeks after completing a course. DA+ is built around the reality of district leadership.”
A Year-Round Network Beyond the Conference Hall. While DA+ was introduced to the education community at FETC 2026, the platform is intentionally designed to extend well beyond any single event. Unlike traditional professional learning models that rely on periodic conferences or static courses, DA+ functions as a living, year-round digital community. Superintendents and cabinet-level leaders can connect with peers before major events, continue conversations on site, and sustain relationships long after conferences conclude.
The platform supports leaders as they navigate some of today’s most pressing district challenges, including:
– School closures and consolidation decisions
– Cybersecurity incidents and data breaches
– AI policy development and implementation
– Community engagement during contentious issues
– Board relations and executive leadership decisions
Rather than theoretical guidance, DA+ emphasizes practical insight—how peer districts addressed similar situations, what worked, and what they would do differently.
Curated Content, Smart Search, and AI-Powered Discovery. At the heart of DA+ is a robust content hub featuring carefully curated resources from District Administration, the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI), and contributions from DA+ members themselves. Smart search functionality helps leaders quickly surface relevant resources, community posts, and tools, while AI-powered recommendations highlight the exact playbooks, templates, and frameworks peer districts actually used in similar situations. The goal: reduce noise, save time, and help leaders act with confidence.
Designed for Courageous, Student-Centered Leadership. DA+ launched with founding members representing urban, suburban, and rural districts nationwide, including superintendents from some of the country’s largest school systems—many of whom were in attendance during the platform’s unveiling at FETC 2026. For district leaders, DA+ supports not only crisis response, but the deeper work of leading with clarity and purpose.
“The most important work we do is keeping the main thing the main thing—our kids,” says Barbara Mullen, Superintendent of Rush-Henrietta Central School District in New York (pictured, above right). “DA+ gives me the infrastructure around coaching and data practices to have the brave conversations our districts need. When you’re centered on the metrics that actually impact student outcomes, you can lead with courage instead of letting the noise drive decisions.”
Who DA+ Is For. Membership in DA+ is now open to:
– Superintendents
– Assistant superintendents
– Cabinet-level and senior district leaders
DA+ is a product of Community EDU, a division of Arc Network, whose education portfolio includes District Administration, the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI), and The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC). Apply, and learn more.
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