DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools is a PK-12 public school district serving 5,100 students, of whom 80 percent are Latino/Latina, in 14 schools. We employ nearly 1,300 people who together educate and support a richly diverse community of learners. We’ve invested in recruiting and retaining top quality educators who inspire bold thinking, recognize student potential, and encourage all students to work towards their goals. The City of Holyoke, with a population of about 38,000 residents, is in Hampden County within the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.

Our Equity Commitments are pledges we are making to address systemic equity challenges.

• We intentionally build a community that is anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
• We ensure that students, families, and staff get the support they need to be successful.
• We seek out and incorporate the voices of those impacted, with a commitment to include those who have been excluded in the past.
• We promote access and inclusion for all students, staff, and families.
• We respect, embrace and honor the diversity of our students, families, staff, and community.
• We reflect on our own behavior to minimize harm to others.
• We create a culture of acceptance and empathy so that everyone feels valued and is able to contribute to our community’s success.

HPS was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015 because of struggling performance. We have since implemented a Turnaround Plan that has led to expanded opportunities for students to explore the arts, sports, sciences, local and world cultures, early college and work-based learning. Since 2015, HPS has experienced numerous accomplishments for instance:

• A 14-point increase in the district’s graduation rate;
• Doubling access to PreK programming;
• An 85 percent increase in access to early college programming; and
• A 15-point increase (to 28%) in teachers of color

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Receiver/Superintendent and serving as an integral member of the cabinet, the Executive Director of Technology and Operations (EDTO) will be accountable for the operational health of this $125+ million school system, serving 5,100 students across 12 schools. The EDTO oversees the technology, data information systems, facilities, custodial, maintenance, security, food service functions of the organization. The key responsibility will be the development and execution of Holyoke Public School’s operational management strategy, in service of the HPS strategic priorities and turnaround plan. The EDTO is also charged with updating and streamlining policies and procedures both in operations.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an operations/technology professional with operational and technology acumen (particularly within technology), strong implementations skills, a strong customer service orientation, and a deep desire to serve. The EDTO builds and manages a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to provide the children and families of the Holyoke Public Schools with the highest possible level of education and service.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership:

• Serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet Team and other leadership teams as requested
• Supervise and lead the following teams: technology, data, custodial/maintenance/facilities, and food service.
• Work with committees and other stakeholder groups as appropriate to solicit input on a vision, plan and/or continuous improvement of technology or operations, which meets state and federal regulations as relevant
• Participate in and support the District’s efforts in strategic planning
• Collaborate with members of district and school leadership to support student achievement through embedding technology and data use, ensuring culturally responsive nutrition options, and ensuring safe and healthy school physical school environments.
• Assist school leadership teams on the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of positions related to technology and/or operations, including stipend positions
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist in representing the District in business and operational matters such as vendor contracts and agreements, as well as labor negotiations

Operations:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of technology and data systems, as well as data collection and reporting, that are accurate, user-friendly and work with each other
• Ensures a consistently positive technology and operational experience for all users by ensuring that all facets are fully operational or when there are problems, they are resolved swiftly.
• Manage the day to day “Break/Fix” and Project work of the IT Department to include direct reports and the Building Based Support Personnel throughout the District.
• Ensure schools are technologically equipped to meet national and state requirements around computer-based testing and that online testing is successful.
• Collaborate with leaders to ensure high effective technology operations and service across the District
• Oversee the development and execution of a long-term facilities plan for HPS

• Manage risk by maintaining oversight of letters of agreement, contracts, leases and other legal documents and agreements
• Work closely and collaboratively with contractors and vendors to meet the needs of HPS staff and students

Financial:

• Prepare the operating and capital budgets requests
• Manage budgets and guide responsible purchasing for technology, data and operational purchases.
• Maintain clear records for accountability and auditing purposes.
• Manage the district application process for E-Rate funds and other technology-related federal and state programs.
• Provide analytical support to HPS’s internal management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities.

All other responsibilities as assigned by the Receiver.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience, skills, traits, and beliefs:

• 5+ years of IT, technology and/or operational experience
• Bachelor’s degree required- Master’s degree in education or technology related field preferred (experience can substitute education in some cases)
• Demonstrated leadership and department personnel management
• Project Management experience with large and complex initiatives, PMP highly desired
• Knowledge of hardware and software technologies, information systems, networking and best practices in operations in school systems
• Google Apps for Education; administration experience preferred.
• Must have an understanding of and respect for the crucial role academic technologies and operations play in education with respect to increasing student access, engagement and success.
• A leadership style that encourages teamwork, collaboration and personal responsibility
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Commitment to high performance standards and belief in HPS values
• Be available outside traditional working hours
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
• Connection to Holyoke preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.