• 2007 Winner: Lynn Rowen
• 2006 Winner: George Jordan
• 2005 Winner: Joseph DiMarco

Description of Qualifications and Achievement(s):

Lynn Rowan's expertise in technology is vast as well as her willingness to learn new technology. One of her greatest achievements in the Walpole schools was the introduction of electronic home/school communication. If it were not for her research and efforts, this advance would not have been possible. Four years ago, she worked with me at my middle school to purchase and install GradeQuick and Edline. These two programs allowed teachers to keep electronic grade books and post student progress on a secure website for students and parents. In order for these programs to work successfully, she worked with the Student Information System to make a seamless interface for grades and class lists. She worked diligently to train staff and was there for their many questions, concerns, or complaints. She understood the learning curve and the patience necessary to make this technology successful. She always made herself available for teachers who were anxious about the use Edline. Since that first year, we have expanded the use of  Edline for calendar events, assignments, e-mail messages, and educational links. This service was immediately embraced by parents who have appreciated being able to regularly monitor their child's progress at any time. Students are also taught to use this service for homework, grades, and upcoming events. Because of the immediate success of this service, the high school and the other middle school also purchased these programs. Due to Lynn's efforts, 2000 students and their families are now electronically connected to the schools. Our success with Edline was highlighted in the summer edition of the Perspectives journal, a publication of Massachusetts Association of Curriculum Development. A copy of this journal will be sent to the committee.

In addition to introducing Edline to Walpole, Lynn is the webmaster for the district and several schools. She is very attentive to them to ensure the information is current and accurate. She works to make the web pages inviting and user friendly. She also provides links from the school sites to Edline to make it easier for parents and students to access information. Most recently she has trained the administrators how to monitor the use of their individual school web sites for traffic use of the site.

The major responsibility of her position is to support staff with the use of the technology in the classroom. She is called upon every day to troubleshoot equipment, research technology, answer questions and provide vision to the technology plan. She consults regularly with the Technology Director and Media Specialists to ensure consistency of technology equipment and professional development for staff. Lynn has been my mentor in the use of technology for curriculum integration and administrative data collection which has helped me in making data-driven decisions for my school.

< Back to Top >

2006 Winner: George Jordan

 

Title of Candidate: Lead Computer Technician

School District: Needham

Nominated By: Linda Conneely, Director of Media and Technology Services
                          Paul Messias, Network Engineer
                          Charles Mustone, Computer Technician

Award Co-Sponsor: RPB Systems and Services

Description of Qualifications and Achievement(s):
George is an exemplary computer technician and a leader of technical innovations for the district. He is responsible for our initial use and deployment of computer imaging technology. This has created great efficiencies, as he and two others manage 1800 desktops and laptops throughout the system.

George’s best qualification for success is his incredible flexibility and willingness to change his daily plan to meet the most immediate needs of the day. His co-workers, school administrators and teachers appreciate George’s knowledge and his ability to work in their space (classrooms and offices) without interrupting the workflow. He gets the immediate needs met with accuracy and efficiency.

Each year George manages the inventorying, imaging and deployment of replacement computers, 125 – 200 units per year. He organizes the tasks and coordinates onsite installs for eight buildings. George troubleshoots his way through the schools, teaching the other technicians better maintenance and support methods.

George works well beyond the defined workday, researching solutions to problems and locating best pricing for peripherals, security and maintenance items. He readily shares his knowledge within the department to create a more efficient workflow.

In particular, George has been invaluable deploying technology in our two newly renovated elementary schools. He staged the integration of more than 450 desktop units and printers to meet the opening day deadlines. Currently, he is staging the integration of more than 500 desktop units for the renovated Needham High School, due to open in September 2006. He is leading and managing a crew of four technicians and four student workers. Deployment begins next week.

Professionally, George has worked tirelessly through negotiations with the Needham Education Association and School Administration to improve the hourly rate, vacation/holiday benefits and the work year for the computer technicians in Needham. He demonstrates that he is willing to work hard to improve the working conditions to enable Needham to keep outstanding technology workers.

Without George, Needham would not be able to maintain its reputation for reliable computer technology, upgraded systems and the ability to implement special administrative projects, such as Health Office and Spectrum Circ/Cat systems.

< Back to Top >