Effective June 30, 2025, I will be stepping down as the Makerspace Coordinator. Launching and building the Makerspace has been one of the most exciting projects of my career. It grew faster than I ever expected, but as it expanded, it became increasingly difficult for me to balance this role with my primary responsibilities as the Technology Coordinator. For the past year, I have been working 4 to 5 extra hours most nights to keep up with both roles, and it's become clear that the Makerspace needs someone who can dedicate their full attention to its continued growth.

Although I will no longer be the Makerspace Coordinator, I will still be actively involved by working with the makerspace student assistants, helping them develop skills in computer repairs, networking, and other tech-related tasks.

I recommended that the district hire a full-time Makerspace Facilitator/Teacher who can focus 100% on supporting and expanding this incredible resource for our students. The school board agreed and hired Carl Ripley. He will be starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

How the Makerspace Journey Began

In December 2023, just before Christmas break, our superintendent asked if I had any ideas for increasing student access to technology. I asked for some time to think it over. By then, I had already read and absorbed 13 books on the Makerspace movement and believed it would be a perfect addition to our school system. My research revealed that Makerspaces often fail within five years without dedicated, consistent support, and I knew that sustainability would be key.

Over the Christmas holiday break, I put together a detailed plan that outlined how we could create a Makerspace from scratch — including location, and phased development. I shared this plan with the superintendent and high school principal. They were thrilled with the vision, and together we presented it to the school board, who approved it enthusiastically. Implementation began in January 2024, and I officially became the Makerspace Coordinator.

As Coordinator, my responsibilities included facilitating, monitoring, overseeing, scheduling, and supporting the safe and effective use of all the Makerspace equipment. I also kept up with emerging technologies to ensure our Makerspace remained modern and relevant. Additionally, we introduced a student-operated tech support team under the Makerspace umbrella, providing valuable technology assistance to both students and staff.

Originally, we planned for the Makerspace to be primarily student-run beginning in the 2024–2025 school year. However, the students' enthusiasm was so strong that they eagerly volunteered to help set up and launch the space much sooner than anticipated. Thanks to their energy and dedication, the Makerspace was up and running ahead of schedule.

By the end of that first year, the Makerspace had become so popular that we outgrew our original location. During Christmas break 2024, we expanded into an adjacent room to accommodate the growing demand. 

It’s been an incredible journey, and I am so proud of what we’ve built together. I look forward to continuing to support our students as the technology coordinator in new ways as we take the Makerspace into its next chapter.

2025 - 2026 Makerspace Slideshow

2024 - 2025 Makerspace Slideshow

2023 - 2024 Makerspace Slideshow