District 196 is pleased to introduce Thomas (Tom) Schmidt, who has been hired as technology coordinator, succeeding Ed Heier, who is retiring after 27 years in the District. 

With the passage of the 2015 and 2025 technology levies, Ed Heier is leaving the district in a strong position. Having co-created the district’s technology for learning framework, led our technology committee over two decades, designed our 1:1 program, built the district-wide fiber network, and deployed technology support in schools where it can most help teachers and staff, Ed is well respected for his focus on student learning and leadership in cybersecurity.

Tom Schmidt brings over 15 years of leadership experience from the private sector, where he successfully directed large-scale IT transformations, managed high-volume transaction platforms, and strengthened enterprise cybersecurity. Alongside his corporate career, he has a strong commitment to education, having volunteered as the founding technology chair for a growing charter school where he deployed Google Workspace and authored multi-year technology plans. He is excited to partner with our instructional leaders to align technology investments with educational outcomes across the district.

“Tom’s experience at scale, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset will help our district and school leaders adapt to a rapidly changing technology landscape,” said Christopher Onyango-Robshaw, Director of Finance and Operations. “At the same time, his experience in education demonstrates a commitment to students and learning. His ability to connect data systems and automate workflows will lead to greater efficiencies as technology advances, while protecting student, family, and staff data.”

Schmidt holds a master’s in business administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a U.S. Patent for an automation system. In his free time, he is a high school girls wrestling coach. He begins his position on June 25.