Finding the Right Mix in Building a District IT Team

Dr. Kenneth J. Thompson is the Chief Information Technology Officer for the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). When it comes to assessing the state of edtech across education, Dr. Thompson finds that every district has its unique characteristics.

Part one in a two-part series. View part two here.

“There are a number of commonalities across every local education agency (LEA). Security; equity; access; equality; and funding,” says Dr. Thompson. “But the methodology that you use to achieve those goals [is distinct.] You have to take a different approach because you have to look at the players on the field. You have to look at the goals of the district. You have to look at the current leader, and the leader has an impact.”

The Ever Changing Roles in IT

There are varying elements that go into building an IT team to meet the needs of different districts because the needs of IT and the role of a CIO and CTO are always changing. Dr. Thompson poses the questions, “Do you do it with a mixture of internal and external resources? Or do you do it with all external resources? Or do you do it with just internal resources?” The approach chosen will have a lasting impact on the organization and the department as a whole.

“If you do it with all internal staff, it’s a pat on the back; it’s an ‘attaboy’ for organizations: ‘Yes, I think we’ve got the tools here to build this thing, and I can make it successful.’ It’s like a promotion for the internal team,” explains Dr. Thompson. “Externally, often, it depends on how you massage it. It’s a slap [to] the organization because, now, you’re bringing all these people and fresh minds to build an organization. If you do it as a mixture, again, you’ve got both.”

Understanding Your Envirnoment

No matter the method that is ultimately adopted, Dr. Thompson points to constants that must always exist. He adds, “The way you build the culture of the organization is critical, and you have to massage it very carefully. I don’t care if you do it [from the] internal, external, or a mixture. You have to know IT. You have to know the application environment. You have to know the infrastructure environment and the service delivery environment. And if you don’t know those components and the culture or feel of the organization, in my opinion, you’ll fall flat on your face.”

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