Director / Technology / District Wide

Director of Technology: 12-Month Position

Cheshire Public Schools

THE POSITION

The Director of Technology is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, implementation, and management of all technology systems within Cheshire Public Schools, ensuring that the district's infrastructure, devices, data systems, and instructional technology are secure, reliable, and aligned with the educational and operational goals of the district.

The Director of Technology will lead the district's technology department, supervising network, systems, and support staff; overseeing cybersecurity and student data privacy; managing the student information system and state data reporting; and maintaining budgetary control over technology-related costs. The Director will work closely with district administrators, school principals, teachers, the Board of Education, town officials, and vendors to ensure that technology meaningfully supports teaching, learning, and district operations.

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

STATUS: Exempt

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Planning & Leadership
  • Develop, implement, and annually update a multi-year District Technology Plan that supports the district's strategic goals and student outcomes.
  • Serve as the district's primary technology advisor to the Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer, central office administrators, and the Board of Education, presenting recommendations and reports as requested.
  • Monitor emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and recommend solutions that enhance teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness.
  • Develop and maintain district policies, procedures, and acceptable use guidelines related to technology, including responsible use of AI tools.
• Infrastructure & Systems Management
  • Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of the district's wired and wireless networks, servers, cloud services, telephony, security camera, and access control systems.
  • Ensure high system availability through proactive monitoring, maintenance, backup, and disaster recovery planning.
  • Manage the lifecycle of district devices (e.g., student and staff Chromebooks, laptops, interactive displays), including procurement, inventory, deployment, repair, and replacement.
  • Coordinate technology components of building, renovation, and capital improvement projects.
• Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
  • Lead the district's cybersecurity program, including risk assessment, access controls, threat detection, staff awareness training, and incident response.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing student data and internet safety, including FERPA, CIPA, COPPA, and Connecticut's student data privacy law (C.G.S. §§ 10-234aa through 10-234dd).
  • Review and manage student data privacy agreements with software and service providers.
  • Maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans in coordination with district and town leadership.
• Teaching & Learning Support
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent, curriculum leaders, and principals to integrate technology effectively across PK-12 instruction.
  • Guide the evaluation and selection of instructional software and digital resources, ensuring accessibility, interoperability, and privacy compliance.
  • Plan and support professional development for administrators, teachers, and staff on district systems and instructional technology.
• Data Systems & State Reporting
  • Oversee the student information system (SIS), learning management systems, and other enterprise applications, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
  • Coordinate the timely and accurate completion of required state and federal data collections and reports (e.g., CSDE PSIS and other EdSight collections, Civil Rights Data Collection).
  • Provide data reports and analysis to district and school administrators as requested.
• Staff Supervision & Department Management
  • Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate technology department staff, including Technology Manager and five technology assistants.
  • Establish a responsive help desk and service management process with clear standards for timeliness and quality of support.
  • Promote a culture of customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Budget & Financial Oversight
  • Develop and manage the district technology operating and capital budgets, tracking expenditures for hardware, software, licensing, services, and staffing.
  • Manage the E-Rate program and identify grant and other funding opportunities.
  • Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, licensing agreements, and service agreements, following district purchasing procedures.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce costs, consolidate systems, and plan for future needs (e.g., device refresh cycles, infrastructure upgrades).
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Serve as a point of contact for administrators, staff, families, and the community regarding technology issues and initiatives.
  • Maintain open lines of communication with district leadership, school principals, town IT, and other departments to ensure smooth operations.
  • Communicate planned changes, outages, and security notices clearly and in a timely manner.
• Additional Duties
  • Perform all other related duties, as needed, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Technology Department and the district.
  • Note: The above description is illustrative of essential functions for this position. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., computer equipment and devices).
• Ability to work in server rooms, network closets, and classrooms, including occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Extended periods of computer work.
• Travel between schools and district facilities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a fully on-site position.
• Work will be performed in office, school, and data center environments across all district buildings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a technical team and lead change across a school district.
• In-depth knowledge of network infrastructure, cloud platforms (Google Workspace for Education and/or Microsoft 365), device management, and enterprise systems.
• Thorough knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and federal and state student data privacy requirements.
• Experience with student information systems and state data reporting.
• Ability to develop and manage a budget, administer E-Rate, and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, especially in diagnosing system issues and responding to urgent incidents.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly to non-technical audiences, including the Board of Education and families.

QUALIFICATION PROFILE:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, educational technology, business administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Master's degree in educational technology, information systems, educational leadership, or a related field (preferred).
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in information technology, including at least two years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in a K-12 school district or other public-sector organization (strongly preferred).
• Experience managing technology components of capital or building projects (preferred).

CERTIFICATIONS:

• CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) (preferred, or willingness to obtain).

• Relevant industry certifications such as CISSP, Security+, Cisco, Microsoft, Google, or ITIL (preferred).

SALARY:

The salary range for this role is between $115,000 to $125,000.

Cheshire Public Schools - A Great Place to Work

Cheshire Public Schools is a great place to work where you can grow professionally and find personal satisfaction as you help to support our mission to provide high quality education to inspire lifelong learning and service to others. Our commitment to excellence shines through every aspect of our award-winning curriculum, culture, and community. Go to our website at https://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/district-departments/human-resources/why-work-for-us/ to learn more about our award winning health and wellness benefits and why we are a great place to work.

Benefits provided: Sick days personal days Bereavement days, Vacation days, Paid Holidays, Health Insurance, HSA employer contribution for HSA plan, Dental, Life Insurance, Retirement Savings Plan

To Apply: Please apply online at www.applitrack.com/cheshire/onlineapp

Cheshire Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and reserves the right to close the posting when a suitable applicant is found before the closing date.