In the public eye: RSU 14 Director of Technology ensures that students meet educational goals

Editor’s Note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

By Ed Pierce

As RSU 14’s Director of Technology, Matt VanDerburgh is at the forefront of the school district’s digital innovation and ensuring that student needs and educational goals are met.

Matt VanDerburgh is the Director of
Technology for RSU 14 and oversees
the day-to-day technology needs for
all staff and students throughout the
district, including budgeting, vendor and
software management, student data privacy
compliance and IT support.
COURTESY PHOTO   

It’s a challenging task as VanDerburgh oversees the day-to-day technology needs for all staff and students throughout the district, including budgeting, vendor and software management, student data privacy compliance, and IT support. He also makes sure the school district’s technology department is customer-service focused.

“Our customers are our staff, students, and families, and I want them to feel that their concerns are heard, that we communicate clearly, and that we follow through,” VanDerburgh said. “I really enjoy working with the RSU 14 leadership team and our technology team. My colleagues bring so much knowledge and experience to their work, and I’ve learned a great deal from them. I also enjoy the opportunity to help people solve problems and make their work a little easier. When technology works the way that it should, it allows our staff to focus on what matters most which is educating and supporting students.”

He joined RSU 14 a little over a year ago and says he enjoys working with the RSU 14 leadership team and the district’s technology team.

“Technology is constantly evolving, and the work never really stops. There is always something to maintain, improve, troubleshoot, or plan for next,” he said. “Another important responsibility is protecting student data and ensuring we follow strict privacy guidelines. Sometimes that means telling someone we can’t use a particular tool or approach, even when they have a good reason for wanting it. I try to explain the reasoning behind those decisions and work with people to find alternatives that meet their needs while keeping student information safe.”

VanDerburgh says a commonly held misconception is that people sometimes assume technology decisions are made from a purely technical perspective.

“Having a background in education and teaching, I try to approach decisions with the classroom in mind first,” he said. “Technology should support teaching and learning, understanding what educators and students actually need is just as important as understanding the technology itself.”

According to VanDerburgh, one of the most rewarding aspects of his work for RSU 14 has been hearing positive feedback about the culture of our technology department.

“One of my main focuses has been prioritizing customer service and making sure staff and students feel comfortable coming to us for help,” he said. “Hearing that the department feels positive and welcoming from staff, and seeing my team receive recognition for their knowledge and hard work has been extremely fulfilling. Any success I’ve had transitioning into the district is a reflection of the knowledge, professionalism, and dedication of the technology team.”

Growing up in Buxton, Vanderburgh graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish where he earned a degree in History and Secondary Education. He realized about five years ago that his career was leading him toward technology leadership. VanDerburgh worked as an Ed tech, substitute teacher, and a coach for high school track, baseball, and softball. He started a technology career working with the MLTI program, repairing devices and managing and installing networks in schools throughout the state. He worked as a computer technician at Portland Schools and was a Network Administrator and later the Assistant Technology Director at Falmouth Schools before joining RSU 14.

“As I considered where I wanted to work, RSU 14 was at the top of my list,” VanDerburgh said. “All three of my children attend RSU 14 schools, and my wife also works in the district. Because of those connections, I already knew the Windham-Raymond community and had a strong appreciation for the educational environment here. The opportunity to contribute to a school district that means so much to my family and community is extremely rewarding.”

He says the public may not know that a lot of the work happens behind the scenes and in collaboration with stakeholders and he works in partnership with the district’s curriculum director and other district leaders to make sure our use of technology aligns with student needs and educational goals.

“A technology decision isn’t just about whether something works technically, we also have to consider how it will affect teaching and learning, student privacy, staff workloads, and the district as a whole,” VanDerburgh said. “I’ve learned how important it is to listen, be willing to consider different perspectives, and communicate openly. You aren’t always going to be able to give everyone the answer they want, but taking the time to understand their concerns, explain your reasoning, and then follow through makes a real difference. Building trust is just as important as solving the problem itself.” <