The St. Joseph School District is getting a new Director of Technology.
At its regular meeting on Monday, the St. Joseph School Board approved the hire of Peter Poggione to lead the district’s technology operations starting June 5.
Poggione, who was technology director for the Mattawan School District for 13 years before becoming the Senior Director of Information Technology at Western Michigan University, was spoken highly of by administrators during the meeting.
“It’s an exciting hire for the district,” said Chief Financial Officer Brenda Graham. “When he left Mattawan, he made a lot of changes there that brought in a lot of really great things. I can see that also happening here at St. Joe. So, I can see that also happening here at St. Joe.”
In his LinkedIn profile, Poggione said he is a “seasoned and well-rounded information technology leader with over 30 years of hands-on information technology and management skills developed in the manufacturing, consulting, and public sectors. With a background in multiple business and educational sectors, in conjunction with varied technical experience, allow for understanding the needs of any organization, aligning their technical goals with both long and short term strategic planning.
Away from technology, Poggione said he has been a professional guitar player, singer and songwriter for over 30 years, and is an avid outdoorsman.
According to SJPS Superintendent Jenny Fee, Poggione is looking forward to returning to the K-12 environment as his kids graduate from WMU.
“He’s at a point where he feels he can step away from that return to this environment that he likes,” Fee said. “He’s got a lot of experience and we’re excited about his vision.”
In other business, the board:
- Accepted a bid from HES Facilities Management for district custodial services and to engage in a future contract pending discussion.
- Authorized diplomas for graduating seniors in 2023
