Welcome to Episode 3 of our Three Pointers Leadership Series, where Secured Tech travels across Indiana to have conversations with school IT leaders about leadership, technology, cybersecurity, and the challenges facing K-12 schools today.
Because no Three Pointers episode is complete without a shot from beyond the arc, stick around to the end and see if Chris can keep his streak alive.
In this episode, Chris visits Bremen Public Schools to talk with Melissa Miller, Director of Technology, about building a strong team culture, leading through challenges, and making the most of limited resources.
One theme that stood out throughout the conversation is the importance of trust. Melissa shares how her team works together by listening to one another, celebrating successes, and creating an environment where ideas can be tested without fear of failure.
She also reflects on a lesson from her former supervisor, Rebecca Sharon Berger, that continues to shape her leadership style today:
“It’s okay to make mistakes. We’re in tech. We break things.”
For Melissa, the key isn’t avoiding every mistake—it’s communicating openly, learning from the experience, and moving forward together.
The conversation also explores a reality many K-12 technology leaders know all too well: accomplishing more with limited budgets. Melissa discusses the importance of rethinking existing tools, extending the life of technology when possible, and working closely with vendor partners to find practical solutions that meet district needs without unnecessary complexity.
She credits much of that success to her team, a group of creative problem-solvers who know how to make the most of available resources.
“We’re very much a MacGyver team.”
It’s a fitting description for a department that thrives on adaptability, resourcefulness, and finding solutions where others might see obstacles.
▶ Watch the full episode below to hear Melissa’s leadership insights. And of course you’ll want to see if Chris can go three for three from beyond the arc.
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.
