James O’Hagan hired as CCSD 180 Technology Coordinator

At its May 18, 2004 meeting, the CCSD 180 Board of Education employed James O’Hagan of Lockport as the school district’s Technology Coordinator. Mr. O’Hagan begins duties on July 1, 2004. Superintendent Frank Rink was impressed with the quality of candidates that were interviewed for the position. He indicated, “From among over 60 applicants, I interviewed 15 finalists. Although there were many outstanding candidates, Mr. James O’Hagan, currently a computer lab director and computer educator at James Hart School in Homewood SD #153, clearly emerged as our top choice. Mr. O'Hagan holds a bachelor’s degree in education, post graduate work in computer science, and a philosophy about technology that is very child-centered and ‘user friendly.’ His experience with hardware, software, maintenance, and education related computer assisted instruction is extensive. Throughout the selection process, Mr. O’Hagan’s responses to questions further validated his philosophy about technology in schools: ‘I am committed to the ideal that a technologically integrated educational environment better prepares students for their futures, and that an appropriate technology infrastructure, which connects the home, the classroom, the school, and
agencies of the community to resources available across the world, is needed to fulfill that promise.’”

Mr. O’Hagan was born in San Mateo, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. He is the first of three children. He and his wife Jorie have a 7-month old daughter, Kylie. Mr. O’Hagan swears that “My daughter is the cutest child in the world!” Mrs. O’Hagan is a 5th grade teacher in Homewood at Millennium School. She is currently on a year-long maternity leave.

Mr. O’Hagan is a graduate of Purdue University from the School of Education and received his degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in coaching. He also participated in the Purdue All-American Marching Band as a tuba player, captained the Big Bass Drum Crew, and played Rugby. After completing his BA, he continued his education at Purdue-Calumet with post graduate studies in computer science. He also achieved two Cisco certifications -- Cisco Certified Network Associate and Cisco Certified Network Professional.

He has been a self-contained 5th grade teacher, a teamed 5th grade teacher, a girls’ basketball coach, webmaster for two school districts and a computer lab teacher, all within his five years in teaching.

In other action, the Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board . . .

. . . passed a resolution of acceptance of a generous donation by Mrs. Mary Harland for the purpose of funding the Fast ForWord Program and thanked Mrs. Harland for her generosity and commitment to education.

. . . presented its Award of Excellence to Mrs. Kristina Razma and to the Southeast DuPage Conference Champion Burr Ridge Middle School Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team and Coaches Scott Reinhart and Bill Russell.

. . . heard a follow-up presentation by Mr. Luke Peterson regarding improvements in the health education/sex education program at Burr Ridge Middle School and set the June 15, 2004 Board of Education meeting as the date for final review and possible approval.

. . . heard a presentation by Mr. Mary Dybos regarding the Spanish program at Burr Ridge Middle School and approved purchase of the En Espanol series of classroom materials.

. . . heard a presentation by Mrs. Beverly Taylor regarding a proposed running track at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and tabled a decision until the June 15 Board meeting.

. . . following a summary of activities by Dr. Terry Tamblyn, approved a contract with him for impact aid services for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 school years.

. . . interviewed Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Principal Finalists in closed session.

. . . received additional information about the Waterfall Glen Extreme 10 mile race to be held on August 14 and hosted by the CCSD 180 Foundation for Excellence.

. . . passed a resolution of hearty congratulations for the Cast, Crew, Directors, Parents, Staff, Community, and Volunteers for their outstanding work and involvement in The Sound of Music production.

. . . approved the summer installation of floor tiling in four additional classrooms at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School.

. . . completed its first reading of proposed Burr Ridge CCSD 180 Policies - Second Half of Section 6, Instruction.

. . . heard reports from the administration, including the following reports from Superintendent Rink:

A. Summary of Recent Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting
B. Bus Bids
C. Graduation
D. County Line Road Construction
E. Science Text Adoption – June 2004
F. Fast ForWord Report – June 2004
G. Band and Choral Concerts
H. Grade 4 Orientation

The Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting