An inside look at EPCUSD 401’s Technology Department

Swapping out student Chromebooks, helping staff solve their tech needs and fixing whatever needs to be fixed—just another day for Technology Specialist Marisol Beltran at Elmwood Elementary School. 

“Day-to-day varies a lot,” said Beltran. “We encourage everyone to submit tickets.”

Elmwood Elementary School Technology Specialist Marisol Beltran (right) helping a staff member

At Elmwood Park High School, Technology Specialist Elias Mendoza faces similar tasks. 

“Seeing the relief on everyone’s faces,” said Mendoza on one of his favorite things about working here.

The Technology Department is one of the main engines making EPCUSD 401 function like a well-oiled machine. With such a heavy reliance on technology in the classroom today, the department is vital for day-to-day operations. Over the past couple of months, things have only gotten better. 

In the summer, Beltran, Mendoza and their fellow specialists Herbeis Garcia and Anthony Ginczycki, upgraded the district’s technology infrastructure in preparation for the 2024-25 school year. At the high school and middle school, the three-year-old Chromebooks were replaced with new machinery. Across the district, Vivi devices were installed in every learning space, giving teachers the ability to cast their computer screens onto classroom projectors. 

EPHS Tech Specialist Elias Mendoza giving Chromebooks to Bilingual Community Liaison Claudia Marcias

The specialists were not the only ones at work in the summer. Network Administrators Quirino Carlin and Tim Roman were hard at work upgrading the district’s Wi-Fi access points and network infrastructure. The district upgrades will allow for stronger connections and more bandwidth for the increasingly digital needs of classrooms.

Carlin, a longtime district employee, began his time here in 2008 as a Technology Specialist at Elm Middle School, John Mills Elementary School and the former Early Childhood Center. He later transitioned to his current role as Network Administrator where Tim Roman recently joined him. 

“I monitor the network and assist with whatever teachers or staff need,” said Carlin. “It could be from wireless, printer setup or certain things with the firewall. The list goes on.”

You can find both Carlin and Roman around the district resolving connectivity issues encountered by staff and students. 

Network Administrators Quirino Carlin (left) and Tim Roman (right) working in a server room

Another vitally important part of the department: managing PowerSchool. PowerSchool is the student information system that the district uses to manage enrollment, student data, grade books, and much more. PowerSchool/Data Manager Tammy Montefinese ensures data consistency and reports the district’s information to the state of Illinois. She spent her summer working on PowerSchool maintenance and upgrades. 

“Usually there are scheduling questions, especially over the summer when we went and scheduled all the kids in the middle school and the high school.”

Her work ensures the district’s backend software is set up for teachers to be successful and in turn, ensure students and parents have access to their grades. 

At the helm is the Director for Technology, Tom Kinane. 

The tech team really works together well, assisting others when needed,” said Director for Technology Tom Kinane. “I am very appreciative of the work they do.”

District 401 thanks the department for all the hard work it does!