School district hires director of technology

Demystifying technology is the mission of Victor Guthrie, the Laguna

Beach Unified School District’s new director of technology.

Guthrie will help build the district’s technology department at

all four school sites to augment the current classroom instruction

and will be available for computer maintenance.

Guthrie will also focus on information security. While students

today are familiar with a variety of technological devices, Guthrie

hopes to take students beyond their current level, and to enhance

their educational experience.

“Victor is a victory for LBUSD,” said Steven Keller, assistant

superintendent of instructional services.

“His 10 years of educational technology leadership is a

significant benefit to our organization. As we continue to quest for

excellence, Victor will be a key leader in this process,” Keller

said.

Jan Vickers, board of education president, said the new position

of director of technology will help students and staff.

“The hiring of Mr. Guthrie allows our district to further our

commitment to providing our students the educational opportunities of

the rapidly expanding world of technology. This will support our

staff as they continue to utilize technology, not only in teaching

but also in home-to-school communication,” Vickers said, noting that

the district plans to post grades online.

“With the implementation of the individual student portfolio

program this fall, we are taking a huge next step in online

reporting, planning and support for each student,” Vickers said.

Guthrie is beginning work on his master’s degree in educational

technology at Pepperdine University and has a strong technical

background from his work in other school systems. In addition to his

duties at the district, he is hoping to incorporate community

outreach as a part of the technology department offerings.