---

North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) superintendent Deb Henton is one of 10 superintendents being recognized nationally for embracing and encouraging the use of technology in education.

Henton, who will receive the Tech Savvy Superintendent award from eSchool News at a banquet on Feb. 17 in Denver, CO, was nominated for the award by North Branch Area High School teacher Tom O'Hern, who noted, "She is an exceptional role model and leader with her use of technology and her support for integrating technology in the classroom...She demonstrates her passion for transparent communication with all district stakeholders through the efficient way she utilizes technologies."

Dr. Henton has been an enthusiastic supporter of using technology to solve educational, fiscal, and communications issues. She was instrumental in introducing g-mail for high school students, has embraced "paperless" business management whenever possible to save money, and pioneered social networking, blogging, school board podcasts, and many other communications technologies at NBAPS. She uses online meeting tools to reduce travel time, and encourages the use of staff development funds for technology training.

"I am so honored, not only to be recognized, but also that Mr. O'Hern thought to nominate me for the award. Technology comes with challenges, but a financially burdened district like ours must embrace it to stay competitive. Technology is often a means not only to enhance learning, but also to save money and communicate with our constituents efficiently," said Henton, who added, "Our families want and need to see that we are making use of these tools to save them money and better educate their children."

---