Michael D. Olsen
Lancaster,NY
Summary
I am a Technology and Facilities leader dedicated to optimizing the intersection of physical infrastructure and digital innovation. With deep expertise in Classroom Instruction, Safety, Security and NYSED compliance along with asset management all learned over my 22+ years of experience. I specialize in transforming complex operational challenges into streamlined, data-driven systems. From working alongside teachers to cloud configuration to facility master planning, I lead with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and educational excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Director of Technology and Facilities
REACH Academy Charter School
Buffalo, New York
03.2017 - Current
- Led numerous facility reconstruction projects totaling over 200 thousand square feet at a cumulative cost of 20 million dollars.
- Responsible for all costs associated with the facility budget, (15% of the annual spend), consistently maintaining cost controls and identifying efficiencies to ensure 100% adherence to financial targets.
- Responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the organization's Facility Maintenance, Information Technology and Custodial Departments.
- Designed and managed LAN networks, CIPA-compliant firewalls, email systems, SIF projects, library/health software, and wired and wireless peripherals to ensure secure and efficient technology infrastructures.
- Configured cloud services, including Google Applications and Ruckus R1, to enhance accessibility for users.
- Configured and maintained the student file server for efficient data management and accessibility.
- Created and maintained school database for tracking IT assets, facilitating audits and improving asset management processes.
- Managed maintenance and repair for all technology.
- Managed the ordering and setup of all new technology, including the RFP process and BBOE ordering.
- Led development of the Data Protection Policy and responsible for its full implementation.
- Served as the communications liaison between REACH Academy Charter School and all contracted custodial and maintenance service providers.
- Reported on facility conditions and project progress to Schools’ Board of Trustees, property landlord, and contractors, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
- Sought out and developed long lasting relationships with local municipalities, developers, vendors, and community coalition groups.
Director of Technology
Enterprise Charter School
Buffalo, New York
12.2013 - 03.2017
- Oversaw operation of school wired and wireless networks, servers, peripherals, and educational technology to ensure reliable access and effective use.
- Consulted with school leaders and teachers to identify and address instructional technology needs.
- Coached grade level and special area teachers on enhancing their educational delivery while using best practices for implementing technological resources within the classroom.
- Responsible for preparing and assembling all Requests for Proposal/ Quotation.
- Managed IT asset tracking and auditing, ensuring inventory integrity and accountability.
Instructional Technology Coach, Technology Education Teacher
Buffalo Public Schools PS 115, PS 97
Buffalo, New York
09.2013 - 07.2016
- Coached grade level and special area teachers on integrating technological resources in everyday teaching, aligning practices with Common Core Learning Standards, NYS Learning Standards, ISTE standards, and Buffalo Schools Strategic Plan.
- Facilitated seamless operation of technology resources, enhancing accessibility for teachers.
- Supported district initiatives by implementing computer/web programs and hardware, ensuring compliance with established policies.
Technology Education Teacher - IT Specialist
Pinnacle Charter School
Buffalo, New York
08.2005 - 09.2013
- Researched, developed, and implemented curricula for 5th – 8th grades in technology education and information technology, aligning with NYSED standards and supporting core area standards.
- Created and managed a classroom space dedicated to achieving the objectives of Technology Education.
- Setup and managed the Staff File Server, LAN network, CIPA compliant Firewall, Email, SIF Projects, Library/ Health Software and Wired along with Wireless peripherals.
- Setup and Manage the Student Management System (PowerSchool)
- Setup and Manage the Student File Server.
- Ensured technology equipment remained operational through effective maintenance and repair management.
- Facilitated ordering and setup of new technology to enhance operational efficiency.
- Created and maintained a school database for tracking information technology-related assets for audit reporting.
- Conducted data accuracy checks in the Student Management System to support accurate local RICLevel 0 reporting.
- Managed district billing and data verification to maintain accountability within Level 1 and Level 2 Data warehouse.
- Setup and Management of Cloud Services such as Google Applications.
Technology Education Teacher
West Seneca East High School
West Seneca, New York
09.2003 - 06.2005
- Developed and implemented engaging lessons for Media and Television Production courses, enhancing student understanding of production processes.
- Developed and implemented lessons for World of Technology course, a regents-level course aligned with high school math and science standards, facilitating credit acquisition for students.
- Collaborated with district staff to produce digital media showcasing district events and news for monthly cable television broadcast, increasing community engagement.
- Led the Media Production Club for which students were exposed to real life situations within the West Seneca community. Students were responsible for preproduction, production and post-production tasks.
Long Term Technology Education Substitute Teacher
Maryvale Union Free Schools
Cheektowaga, New York
02.2003 - 07.2003
- Developed lesson plans aligned with state standards and curriculum guidelines.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to share resources and teaching strategies.
- Assessed student understanding of material through tests, quizzes, worksheets, projects.
Education
Masters - Technology Education
State University College At Buffalo
Buffalo, New York12-2007
Bachelor of Science - Technology Education
State University College At Buffalo
Buffalo, New York12-2002
Skills
- Educational technology
- School and Classroom leadership
- System development
- Technology integration
- Budget management
- Facility management
- Contract management
- Process improvements
- Policies and procedures development
- Education law
- Visionary leadership
- Team leadership
- Board reporting
- Relationship building
Certification
- New York State Certification in Technology Education K-12
- Google Certified Educator - Level 1
- Google Certified Educator - Level 2
Accomplishments
- SUNY Stimulus Grant - 2010
- Utica National Insurance Group "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2021- 2025
- NYSCATE Presenter 2015 through 2026
Timeline
Director of Technology and Facilities
REACH Academy Charter School
03.2017 - Current
Director of Technology
Enterprise Charter School
12.2013 - 03.2017
Instructional Technology Coach, Technology Education Teacher
Buffalo Public Schools PS 115, PS 97
09.2013 - 07.2016
Technology Education Teacher - IT Specialist
Pinnacle Charter School
08.2005 - 09.2013
Technology Education Teacher
West Seneca East High School
09.2003 - 06.2005
Long Term Technology Education Substitute Teacher
Maryvale Union Free Schools
02.2003 - 07.2003
Masters - Technology Education
State University College At Buffalo
Bachelor of Science - Technology Education
State University College At Buffalo