Presentation #2 - July 09, 2009
John Percevault, Director of TechnologyLethbridge School District #51

Mr. John Percevault is the Director of Technology for the Lethbridge School District #51, who has twenty years experience working in the role of leadership in technology. He shared his experiences with our class with surprising openness, giving the challenges of the situation. His demonstration of the ISTE NETS technology standards make it clear why John is exactly the type of leader capable of leading a District through a complete change of culture.

John was hired at a time that District 51 was in danger of losing the ability to complete technologically with other school divisions in Southern Alberta. There were a range of computers throughout the District, wide discrepancies between technology integration in different schools, and inequity in educational programming for students, based on the schools they attended. John laughed as he relayed: “Everything was 9 or ten years old at the head end... we were almost imploded. [sic]”

With such overwhelming challenges, John brought into this scenario for two primary reasons:
· First, to solve computer issues with the Novell system.
· Secondly, to build a technology vision for the District.

With this as a mandate, John worked with Barry Litun, the Superintendent, and a team of experts to completely rework and restructure the District’s technology support structure and vision. In just under two years, the technology was transformed and revolutionized.

According to John, the main changes followed this key pattern of events:

· Had a clear mandate from the Superintendent
· Brought in external experts to technology vision white paper of the process – gave them credibility
· Built a shared vision based on empirical evidence gathered from all staff
· Built a shared funding framework – and actually funding it
· Built a professional development plan that included time and people
· Found middle ground for leadership in the planning of change (shared responsibilities between schools and central office)
· Created a six year ever-greening cycle
· Created a common vocabulary and language
· Implemented the vision, and followed through in supporting its growth through PD development
· Got the right people into the positions of power

With these structures in place, District #51 took its place in the forefront of technology integration. With John as Director of Technology, District #51 continues to address emergent issues and evolve new ways to integrate technology and provide equitable access to education for all students in the District.

After listening and talking to Mr. Percevault, it is clear that he truly is an expert in his field. His ability to not only analyze issues, but bring in experts to synthesize information and make difficult decisions based on the findings have clearly made tremendous difference in the life of the students in his District #51.