ORCSD Director of Information Technology Joshua Olstad has been awarded the New Hampshire Chief Technology Officer (NHCTO) Leadership Award.
The Oyster River Cooperative School District is pleased to share that Director of Information Technology Joshua Olstad has been awarded the New Hampshire Chief Technology Officer (NHCTO) Leadership Award for his transformative technology leadership.
Olstad received the award at the NHCTO Council's Annual Clinic on Wednesday, May 3 at the Inn at Mill Falls in Meredith.
Olstad is a founding member of the NHCTO, is well known both in the state and nationally, and has always been an active participant within the group. He was selected for the award for his excellent technology leadership within the district.
"It is an honor to be recognized with the Leadership Award. I have been involved with the NHCTO for a long time, and everyone involved in this group is so knowledgeable and amazing to work with," said Olstad. “I wouldn’t be able be able to this work without the support of Dr. Morse and my incredible team in Oyster River. I am blessed with a great IT Department and an incredible group of Digital Learning Specialists/Assistive Tech that work hard to make sure we are providing students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in their future endeavors."
Thomas Rup, Technology Director for the Epping School District, NHCTO member at large, and selection committee member, emphasized Olstad's dedication to IT leadership.
"What's special about this award is it is not only a recognition of Josh's work for Oyster River Cooperative School District, but it is also a recognition of his work by his peers around the state," Rup said. "Josh is incredibly well known for his great contributions at Oyster River, throughout the NHCTO, in the N.H. Department of Education, and through our national chapter of The Consortium of School Networks (CoSN). He is a true champion for technology in education and one of the most well-spoken and knowledgeable individuals."
As part of the honor, Olstad was awarded a $250 honorarium and was nominated to receive the national CoSN Withrow CTO Award.
The NHCTO Council, which has more than 50 school districts represented from across the state, aims to communicate and provide operational and educational technology resources for New Hampshire schools by connecting technology leaders to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices, advocating for all learners through innovation and customization, and providing resources for educational leaders and policymakers in the state.
Thomas Rup, Technology Director for the Epping School District, left, presents the NHCTO Leadership Award to Josh Olstad, right, while Superintendent James Morse, middle, looks on.