Garden City Schools Names New Director Of Technology And Innovation

GARDEN CITY, NY — The Garden City School District announced the appointment of Lauren Maguire as the district's new director of technology and innovation, effective immediately. Maguire is a familiar face within the Garden City community, having worked in various roles in the district since 1996, including classroom teacher, computer teacher and staff developer. Most recently, she served as a technology staff developer, assisting the district with its ongoing integration of technology tools in the classroom.

Under her leadership, Maguire has worked with staff and administrators to implement the rollout of New York State's computer science and digital fluency standards across the district. One such initiative is the introduction of kidOYO, a platform designed to teach these skills to students in grades 3-5.

Additionally, Maguire is also helping to support and facilitate the district's participation in the nationwide Make:Able Challenge, where teams enrolled in the district’s Project Lead The Way course use the design thinking process to create 3D-printed products or prototypes to improve the daily lives of those with disabilities or the elderly.

Maguire has also incorporated a vocational learning program within the IT department in collaboration with the ACES Program at the high school. Through this program, students are offered on-the-job training opportunities that enable them to gain skills and experience in fields that they may pursue after moving on from high school.

“Ms. Maguire possesses outstanding leadership qualities that will undoubtedly be an asset to our district as we continue to advance our technology initiatives and launch a new district website coming in July 2023,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha.

“I thank the Board of Education for this opportunity and the district for its support of me over the years,” said Maguire. “My goal in this new role is to support our teachers in using technology as a tool to enhance learning for all students and to prepare them with the technological skills necessary for a successful future.”