Try two stars and a wish. What are TWO things technology is doing right? What is ONE thing you wish we could improve? Visit every campus and each department in the district and get their response. Prioritize the wishes, celebrate the stars. Get it done within your first three months on the job.
Ask the technology team, "What is it you really do in your job?" Get them to write it down. This data can assist you in seeing who does what and who says they do more than they do. You will also be able to plan ahead for growth in resources and staff.
Tip #4: Establish benchmarks.
Conduct a needs assessment, whether instructional, infrastructure, or both. It's hard to show progress when there hasn't been a standard set or a benchmark assessment done. Use them to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the future.
Tip #5: Make a Top 10 List of Organizational Needs
It's easy to get lost in the weeds. Take your assessment data and come up with a Top Ten list of priorities. Use this at every opportunity to assist stakeholders in understanding what the district's needs are.
Project management is essential to every undertaking in a school district. Put technology to work to facilitate this for all, including technology projects.
Excited about shaping a shared vision for technology in your school district?
Here's one approach that worked for a school district under TCEA's facilitation.
Bonus Tip
Keep up to date with state and national legislative priorities. You can use them to shape the focus of your edtech planning, as well as build a sense of urgency.