My professional experience in education technology began in 2004 after I had been in the private sector since the late 90s. I currently serve as the Chief Technology Officer for Prosper Independent School District. Prosper ISD is a fast-growing district located north of the Dallas area. I have served in this position since 2017, and during this time I have been entrusted with incorporating the physical security and Skyward groups into Technology. This latest addition led to the creation of a Management Information team in the department to accommodate growth. During my time since 2017, Prosper ISD has grown by 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and over 13,000 additional students.

After almost 20 years in education, my knowledge spans many areas of technology and the integration and collaboration with multiple departments such as curriculum and instruction, the business office, construction, and student management, to name a few. My greatest skill is the ability to look ahead and plan for numerous possibilities. I am a leader who builds into my team and encourages them to reach greater heights. My main goal is to build the Technology team and the technology infrastructure at Prosper ISD in such a way that when I turn around I can say we are building an exceptional district (both people and equipment).

Director of Information Systems at McKinney Independent School District

As a 20-year educator, Leann Kidd is a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) and is currently the Director of Training and Development in Northside ISD’s Technology Services Department. 

Her professional career started in 2004 as a classroom teacher, where she cultivated a passion for education before becoming a Computer Instruction Teacher to assist others with integrating technology into the curriculum. With an expanding interest in technology, she received her Masters of Education in Instructional Technology. She worked as a Technologist with that new knowledge, blending pedagogy insight with technology skills for staff and students. 

She now has the fortunate opportunity of leading and collaborating with a dynamic team in Northside ISD, implementing technology solutions in education to support their students. As a director, she continues to present at district and state conferences and is eager to learn from and collaborate with others.

Curtis Shahan is the current Director of Technology for Wichita Falls ISD. He has over 25 years experience supporting both K12 and business technology. He feels his greatest accomplishment is the students he has mentored to amazing technology careers. 

Dr. Leslie Garakani is the Executive Director of Technology Services at Klein ISD. He has built a reputation on communication and collaboration leading teacher groups through the design and implementation of 1:1 programs and technology integration.  Through cultivating trust, accountability and high performance – He has rehabilitated technology teams fragmented by misguided management and leadership.  Mr. Garakani has worked in all areas of K-12 technology across five school districts for almost nearly 20 years - 13 of those years in leadership. He is responsible for over $5 Million in ERate funding over the course of his career.  Overhauling failing infrastructure from planning to implementation.  Designing environments and programs that propel district efforts supporting a culture of innovation.   In summer 2018 he joined Cohort 12 in the Online Doctoral program with Lamar University.  He is married with three kids ages 13, 17, and 20.  The eldest currently serves in the United States Air Force.

Information Technology Officer (CTO) at Spring ISD

I have been the Director of Technology for Mineral Wells ISD since the summer of 2019. I am nearing 25 years in the field of information technology with almost 15 of those years in public education. Technology in the classroom has increased drastically over the past decade or two. I am excited to be a part of this growth as it enhances the educational environment of our students by creating and promoting new, innovative, and collaborative learning opportunities.