INDIANAPOLIS (May 25, 2006) - Governor Mitch Daniels and Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed today announced their joint appointments to the newly reinvigorated K-12 Educational Technology Council (ETC). The council, originally established by the General Assembly in 1998, will help develop a new technology plan for Indiana's K-12 education system.

"Our schools and districts have been working to integrate technology into the studies and classroom activities of their students," said Dr. Reed. "The reinstitution of the council should assist them by bringing a more strategic focus to student, district and state use of technology in support of student learning."

"This focus on technology strategy will enhance opportunities for effective use that will directly benefit students and their preparation to succeed in later education, work and life," said Daniels. "We are grateful to these individuals for their service to the students and communities of Indiana."

Daniels and Reed have asked the ETC to pay particular attention to the systems and support teachers and schools need to incorporate technology that drives student achievement and to outline strategic initiatives to advance the vision. Daniels and Reed appoint members to the council, which consists of legislators and other individuals with information technology experience in K-12 education, higher education and business.

Appointed members of the council include:
From business and industry -

• Ron Brumbarger, President & CEO, Bitwise Solutions;
• Mark Hill, President, Baker Hill, an Experian Company;
• Barb Kew, Vice-President Information Technology, Wellpoint;
• Mike Wilson, President, Leaf;

From higher education -

• Karen Adams, Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff, Office of VP - Research and Information Technology, Indiana University;
• O'Neal Smitherman, Vice President of Information Technology, Ball State University;

From K-12 education -

• Dorothy Crenshaw, Chief Information Officer, Indianapolis Public Schools;
• Mike Huffman, Special Assistant to the Superintendent for Technology, Indiana Department of Education;
• Brian Smith, Superintendent, MSD Southwest Allen County Schools;
• Jan Weir, chemistry teacher, Instructional Technology Coach, Lawrence Central High School;
• Todd Whitlock, Technology Coordinator, North Daviess Community Schools;

From the General Assembly -

• State Senators David Ford and Sen. Earline Rogers;
• State Representatives Terri Austin and Bob Behning.

Karl Browning, chief information officer for the State of Indiana, also will participate in the process.

Marvin Bailey, president of the Corporation for Education Technology, which operates various K-12 training and support programs, will facilitate the council through the strategic planning process. Cheryl Lemke, a nationally recognized leader in learning technology with more than 20 years experience in public education, will serve as a consultant.

The council plans to complete a preliminary report by September and will report recommendations to Daniels and Reed by November.

Media contact: Jane Jankowski, Office of the Governor, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov.
Media contact: Mary Jane Michalak, Department of Education, 317/232-6616, michalak@doe.state.in.us