In this episode, Chris travels to North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation to sit down with Technology Director Billy Russell. Their conversation centers on leadership, teamwork, and what it takes to keep a school district running behind the scenes.
When asked which basketball position best represents his role, Billy said:
“I’d say we’re like point guards for the school. We don’t get a lot of recognition, and we don’t do a lot of scoring, but we try to set everyone up for success.”
It’s a fitting analogy for K–12 technology leaders. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, ensuring classrooms stay connected, devices work reliably, and teachers and students have what they need to succeed.
Billy also credits his district’s success to a strong partnership with administration. He explains that having leadership that trusts the technology department and values its expertise makes all the difference.
“Our superintendent has been great. He pretty much takes our advice and gives us the funding to do what we need to do to keep us up and running.”
That trust allows the technology team to focus less on overcoming roadblocks and more on delivering meaningful improvements for staff and students.
The conversation also touches on one of the biggest challenges every IT leader faces: the constant stream of requests and unexpected issues that come with supporting an entire school district.
Billy shares a simple piece of advice that’s guided him throughout his career:
“You can’t solve all the problems at once. Take each obstacle, divide them up, and conquer them one at a time.”
This is a good reminder that while the work can feel overwhelming, steady progress and an intentional approach often lead to the best outcomes.
▶ Watch the full episode above to hear Billy’s insights on leadership, teamwork, and supporting K–12 technology. And, of course, don’t miss the final moments to see whether Chris can keep his Three Pointers streak alive.
Interested in participating in a future episode? We’d love to connect with school IT leaders across Indiana and beyond to share their stories and perspectives. Contact us to learn more.
