An area school district has named a long-time employee to head a department this coming school year.

The information below in a press release from the Hollister School District:

The Hollister R-V School District is excited to name Mrs. Tamhra Barnett as the new Information Technology (IT) Director for the 2022-2023 school year. She will succeed Mr. David Milligan upon his retirement at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Mr. Milligan says that Mrs. Barnett is a great choice as his successor.  “Tamhra and I have worked closely together on many projects over the years,” he shares. “She has the skillset and the leadership needed to be a successful IT Director. I am pleased to see her stepping into this role.” 

Mrs. Barnett, who is currently serving as the district’s Technology Instructional Specialist, has been with the Hollister School District for 18 years, serving in her current role for 8 years, and she has 32 years of technology experience.

Dr. Sean Woods, Assistant Superintendent of District Operations, shares that Mrs. Barnett has progressed from her role as a teacher to a technology instructional coach and she has the behind-the-scenes knowledge of how technology should work for teachers and students. “Mrs. Barnett has the advantage of having both an extensive instructional capacity as well as years of district technology background which gives her the skill set to continue to build upon structures already in place. I look forward to how Mrs. Barnett will continue to grow our technology needs into the 21st century, providing teachers and students what they need while keeping them safe in the cyber world,” Woods says.

Mrs. Barnett shares that she is thankful for Mr. Milligan’s leadership and the opportunity to continue to learn from him over the next few months. “Mr. Milligan’s leadership leaves big shoes to fill,” she states.  “I am looking forward to building upon the foundation that he has laid and continuing to advocate for forward progress in an ever-changing technological world just as Mr. Milligan has done so skillfully during his time as Technology Director,” she states.

Looking into the future, Barnett is excited about what lies ahead. “I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with staff and students to meet the technology challenges they face in everyday teaching and learning,” she shares. “My instructional experience combined with my years of working closely with the technology department gives me a unique perspective.  I’m looking forward to meeting the challenge of balancing safety and security with the ever-changing educational technology landscape.”

Mrs. Barnett will officially assume her new position on July 1.