What: In October 2001, the District Technology Committee was formed to update the technology plan. This committee of 12 members was composed of the main stakeholders and representatives of the most powerful forces in the district. We met three times during the fall and winter with the overall goal to produce a document for the cabinet to review and a number of recommendations. The first meeting grounded the committee with a clear definition of the scope of the work. Between the first and the second meeting, each main stakeholder was give the task to review the technology related systems within their own domain. The second meeting was the presentation of these reviews and answers to clarifying questions. A plan was drafted and submitted to the committee via e-mail with continued e-mail dialogue. The third meeting was to come to conclusion on the document. A final draft was then approved by the committee and sent to the cabinet. 

So What: The significant part of this artifact was the wide diversity of members on the committee. I felt very fortunate to have cabinet level and director level folks from all major areas of the district as well as strong parent and community representation. Pulling this committee together was strategic. Selecting the right combination of folks on a decision-making committee is very important. Personalities, politics, and egos are among the elements that must be considered. All three were discussed when I spoke with a couple of my administrator mentors on the right personnel to assemble. Their advise was most useful and very much appreciated. Making decisions in a vacuum is not wise. Seek the counsel of friends.

What's Next:  The DTC will continued to be updated on a regular basis as the plan becomes implemented. To date, I have sent out three such e-mails. I want them to feel connected to the process and celebrate the success of the plan. Too often, the committee works hard on a situation and is not kept abreast of the impact of their work. Again, the value of seeking the counsel of others was most useful. I plan to apply this wisdom in future decisions.