Owensboro Public Schools has named Chad Alward the district’s Director of Technology. He will officially begin his duties July 1, 2024.
Alward comes to Owensboro Public Schools from Daviess County High School where he currently serves as Assistant Principal. He brings more than 16 years of administrative experience, having served as an assistant principal at two different schools, the director of the K-8 Virtual Academy for Daviess County Public Schools, and the District Instructional Technology Coordinator for Ohio County (KY) Schools.
“I am excited to be part of such a great team at OPS and I look forward to working with our technicians, students, teachers, administrators, and community to build on the success and tradition of the district,” said Alward.
Alward earned his Bachelor degree from Western Kentucky University and Master of Education degree from Murray State University and began his career as a music and band teacher at Wayland Elementary School and Ohio County High School in Hartford, Kentucky. He earned his Rank I in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University. In addition to his degrees, Alward also holds certifications as a Learning Coach, Teacher, and Teacher Swift Playgrounds from Apple is a Level 1 Google Certified Educator.
“Mr. Alward was a highly recommended candidate for this position and his experience speaks for itself,” said Anita Burnette, interim superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools. “His ability to not only lead others, but adapt to an ever-changing technology landscape and provide innovative thinking and implementation will truly continue to make our district a leader in technology education.”
In his new role, Alward will provide vision and leadership for implementation and maintenance of information technology initiatives across the district. He will also work to improve staff and student collaboration and growth while exhibiting cost effective initiatives and accountability. His expertise will provide district leadership and guidance to faculty and staff regarding all aspects of technology.
“In all aspects of education, we want our students to be prepared for the next stage in life,” said Alward. “Our goal in education technology is to foster an environment that supports critical thinking through the use of technology and move our students from consumers to producers utilizing technology in an ever-changing world.”