Gratitude and Grit

---

-

As we kick off 2026, it’s natural to reflect upon the year we just survived.  And I mean that – literally.  Challenges are never-ending in the EdTech space, and 2025 spared no prisoners.

As your reseller partner, we navigated a lot alongside you: new and revised product offerings, discontinuations and end-of-life announcements, price increases everywhere.  Add mergers and acquisitions to the mix, and the constant need for more and less at the same time.

And all of that was happening while you were dealing with staffing challenges and budget cuts.  Do more with less… all the time!  Right?  But beyond that, there’s the ever-present pressure of compliance, the blended need for cybersecurity, protecting sensitive data.  Worry – about safety on so many levels – is always right there.

And that’s where we see your GRIT. 

Technology adoption from your institutions continues to grow and evolve.  You’re learning, adapting, and adopting new tools, even as the challenges keep coming.  More teachers and staff are leaning in, especially as AI begins to change nearly every facet of what we do.  You try.  You fumble.  You adjust.  And you keep going – no matter how hard things get.

We are deeply grateful for our customers, and we’re hopeful as we enter 2026. 

AI may be the buzzword, but it also represents a fundamental shift in education.  We’re leaning into these offerings with you, exploring how AI can be a tool, not just a crutch.  We’re excited to see learning continue to center on problem solving and critical thinking, not just rote memorization. 

Those beautiful young minds that are starting 6^th grade in 2026 will know AI like the back of their hand by the time they graduate. 

Crazy thought, huh?

With that in mind, we look forward to working with you to find the right solutions for your institutions.  We welcome the tough conversations and the awkward discoveries – because that’s where real progress happens.  You deserve better, and those moments push us all to be better.

Together we’ll keep growing, overcoming, and succeeding – excelling together on this incredible EdTech journey.

Happy New Year!

Bob Ballard & Nicole Prevenas

January 2026