Phelps to guide district’s use of technology in education
Phelps to guide district’s use of technology in education
Randy Phelps, of Hollister, is the new director of technology for Campbell Union School District. His diverse career history includes distinctions in both high tech and education industries and a passion for fostering ways to help students reach their full potential. As director, he will oversee all of the district’s technology systems, including telecommunications, pupil data and assessment, and resources for using technology in the classrooms.
“Randy brings an exceptional breadth of skill and experience to this position,” said Dr. Eric Andrew, superintendent of the 7,600-student elementary school district. “He has a deep understanding of how technology can advance a 21st Century education as well as the technical knowledge to make it a reality.”
Phelps, 52, worked at Apple, Inc. for 10 years as both senior engineer and senior strategic sales executive (for K-12) – winning honors as top engineer (2002) and Sales Executive of the Year (2006) – and working on projects that gained national recognition for innovation in teaching and learning. He has served in advisory capacities for multiple organizations, from historical societies to ranching cooperatives, and was a school board president in San Benito County.
“Campbell Union School District is unique in that it is both excellent and full of potential,” Phelps said. “I’m glad to be part of this team of professional, student-centered people who are willing to venture forward and take calculated and thoughtful steps toward creating better futures for the students, staff and the entire organization.”
Phelps also has run a successful small hardware and software company, consulted with many school districts to create and implement learning plans, technology plans and leadership seminars, hosted a statewide public television quiz show for students, and created a portal at the Santa Cruz County Office to train 16,000 school administrators in using data to aid decision making (TICAL) as part of a federal grant.
He has been an award-winning teacher and school administrator. His honors include being a finalist for State Teacher of the Year in Kentucky and Colorado and recipient of the Apple Distinguished Educator award. He created various Advanced Placement programs in schools, the American Studies program in Virginia, and the Critical Thinking component of Indiana State Education curriculum. He also co-authored the Colorado State Technology Standards and founded the Bluegrass Writing Project as part of the National Writing Project. As a teacher and coach, his students were finalists in state competitions in areas such as journalism, baseball, speech, music and drama including a National Press Club award, which allowed his students in rural Kentucky to visit our nation’s capital.
Phelps holds degrees and certifications from California Lutheran University, the College of William and Mary, University of Colorado. He was fortunate, he says, to attend school on scholarships and fellowships for academics and athletics. He is a Fellow in numerous organizations related to teaching and learning.
In his spare time, he reads, builds and plays guitars, and is a professional musician. He has two high-school-aged children and lives in Hollister.
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