Pete Poggione

Pete Poggione started his information technology career by accident. His journey took him through several roles in information technology, the Global program at University of Michigan Flint and eventually to his current role as Director of Information Technology at Mattawan Schools.

Road into IT

Pete didn’t initially intend to enter the IT world but fate brought him here to push the limits of technology in education. He started his career the way everyone does, with a degree in sports medicine! Seeing a weakness in the current database technology being used at a company he was working for, Pete decided to develop his own database software. The database software he developed launched him into a trajectory that took him through owning an IT company, working with the IT behind commercials in television, and eventually right into the IT department at Mattawan schools where he currently enjoys the job of Director of Information Technology.

Daily IT Life

Pete is currently a the Director of Information Technology of Mattawan schools in the Western part of Michigan. On a day-to-day basis he is putting out fires, trying to visit as many buildings as he can to check in on staff and their technology and delegating responsibility of his staff. The IT department is also an Apple warranty center and his staff can repair iPads and other Apple products helping to keep his staff intact and bringing money into the department. He works closely with Ben Rimes, Director of Educational Technology at Mattawan Schools, and even records a podcast with him.

Trying new things

Pete and his staff are always trying new things. A transportation director simply suggested it would be great if buses had WiFi. Pete thought this would be a great idea for students that travel on the bus for a long period of time each day or may not have access to internet at home. Pete looked into it and launched a pilot program on one bus initially and now has WiFi access on four buses and future buses purchased by the district will come with WiFi access as well. During the summer a bus acts a portable classroom for students to utilize WiFi to complete extra summer courses.

Pete has also put together a Technology Advisory Group, or TAG, which operate at both the district and building level. The district-level TAG is comprised of principals, representatives from the building TAGs, and is now chaired by Ben Rimes, Director of Educational Technology, to make decisions on technology that impacts curriculum.

Tech Director Podcast

Pete, along with Ben Rimes host a podcast about twice a month or so. The podcast addresses information technology issues within the school district with information that is beneficial for students, parents and teachers. It was created to attempt to reach more teachers and give them a view into the technology department. And it has worked! Ben will receive emails and tweets with questions and feedback from teachers and other listeners. He has even been recognized from the podcast while out in public! (From a tech director that listens to the podcast).

Rock and Roll

On top of being a IT professional Pete is also an accomplished musician. He has been a musician for over 30 years and had the opportunity to do it full time but decided to go in another direction. He has been in the same band for over 15 years and play originals with some covers as well.

Written by Brandon Goy, August 2016