Dr. Julie Carter to Leave Minnetonka Schools

The following was released by Minnetonka Schools:

After leading Minnetonka's efforts to ensure reliable technology as an accelerator of learning, Dr. Julie Carter has announced her resignation as Executive Director of Technology, effective June 30. Dr. Carter has accepted a position with the BLE Group where she will help other schools plan and implement educational technologies.

“Dr. Carter has worked tirelessly to put technology into our students’ and teachers’ hands. Her leadership has made Minnetonka a national model for the use of technology in the classroom,” said Dr. Dennis Peterson, Minnetonka Public Schools Superintendent. “With Dr. Carter’s reputation and experience in building successful technology programs, it isn’t surprising she has become highly sought after by other organizations. Dr. Carter’s heart remains in education and I am excited to see how she will continue to impact student learning in her new role.” 

Starting as a teacher at Deephaven Elementary, Dr. Carter has spent her entire professional career in the Minnetonka School District. She taught Kindergarten, first grade and second grade at Deephaven before becoming their media specialist. As media specialist, she wrote the competitive grant for Deephaven's fourth grade classrooms to pilot SmartBoards in 2002, which became a showcase for our community and staff to see and understand the power of technology to accelerate learning. She left Deephaven in 2005 to work in the District’s technology department and was named Director of Technology in 2007.

“It is amazing to see the progress we have made, from two Apple 2E student computers in my classroom 15 years ago, to a successful 1:1 rollout with an iPad for every ninth and tenth grade student,” shared Dr. Carter. “I am so grateful for the support, opportunities and outstanding staff I have been privileged to work with. While this was a difficult decision, I know the District is well-positioned for future success. I will remain a strong supporter of Minnetonka as a parent and community member. I will continue to cheer on Minnetonka’s success on all fronts.”

The visionary leadership Dr. Carter has provided has brought national attention on Minnetonka’s use of educational technology. In 2008, Minnetonka was named one of the top three school districts in implementing technology as a “Technology Salute District” by the National School Boards Association. In 2010, Dr. Carter was named one of “20 to Watch” by the same organization.

Dr. Carter is most noted for establishing a safe and reliable technology infrastructure to support student learning, communication and collaboration, and District operations. With a small team of 12 technology support specialists, Minnetonka's technology department manages 25,000 user accounts, 5,000 IT systems and every classroom’s SMART Board, Sound Field and mounted projector. The District operates with a 100% virtualized server environment and has updated the network infrastructure with gigabit speed to each workstation and full wireless coverage with high density for 1:1 programming.

Minnetonka Public Schools is fortunate to have strong community understanding and support for the power of technology as an accelerator of learning. A 2002 voter-approved referendum, renewed in 2007, will provide dedicated funding for technology through 2017. An estimated 98 percent of students have computer and internet access at home. All Minnetonka teachers engage with students and parents through an active e-learning environment, and teachers and staff embrace a culture of innovation for transforming the next generation of education.

Dr. Carter has been  a key leader in the implementation of the District’s iPad pilot program in 2011 which will expand to all students in grades 8-11 next school year. Minnetonka’s 1:1 iPad program is being showcased as a 2012-13 Apple Distinguished Program and a model for other schools to follow. 

The Minnetonka School District will immediately begin a national search for Dr. Carter’s replacement. With a national reputation for excellence in educational technology, the District is confident they will find an experienced and respected visionary who will continue to use technology as an accelerator of learning.