When a longtime Chief Technology Officer announced his retirement at a mid-sized district last spring, the superintendent found herself facing a big question:
“Do we hire someone who’s a tech expert or someone who knows education inside and out?”
On paper, it seemed like an either/or. The IT manager in the district was familiar with every server, every switch, and every help desk ticket. Meanwhile, an assistant principal had been dabbling in instructional technology and had developed a strong rapport with teachers. Both looked promising—but which path would serve the district best?
This is the crossroads many schools find themselves at in 2025. And here’s the twist: the right answer isn’t about choosing one background over the other. It’s about finding a leader.
“Do we hire someone who’s a tech expert or someone who knows education inside and out?”
On paper, it seemed like an either/or. The IT manager in the district was familiar with every server, every switch, and every help desk ticket. Meanwhile, an assistant principal had been dabbling in instructional technology and had developed a strong rapport with teachers. Both looked promising—but which path would serve the district best?
This is the crossroads many schools find themselves at in 2025. And here’s the twist: the right answer isn’t about choosing one background over the other. It’s about finding a leader.
