In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Alonzo, Executive Director of Technology at San Antonio Independent School District — the very district that raised him.

Aaron’s story is a good one. He started out as a substitute teacher, became a PE assistant coach, wore shorts, a cap, and a whistle to work, and by his own account enjoyed the glory days of being able to throw dodgeballs at kids before everyone had phones. From there, he moved into a computer lab role, became the unofficial IT guy because he was the youngest person around, and eventually built a 17-year career in technology leadership inside the same district he grew up in.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• How Aaron went from school district student to Executive Director of Technology

• Why IT leadership in education is about people, not just systems

• The importance of servant leadership and making sure teams feel heard

• Why some of the most important leadership work happens in informal moments, not meetings

• The pressure school districts are under with budget cuts, declining enrolment, and device programs

• How Aaron helped create student repair teams to solve real operational problems while giving students practical experience

• What leaders can learn from being told “no” and having to rethink how they communicate vision

One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Aaron’s reminder that leadership is not just about structure or authority. Sometimes it looks like walking the floor with a coffee, checking in with your team, and making space for honest conversations before the meetings take over your day. And sometimes, apparently, it starts with dodgeball.

If you work in: IT leadership, education technology, school operations, digital transformation, or team leadership, this episode will feel very familiar.

Topics covered in this episode: IT leadership in schools, school district technology, servant leadership, education technology, budget pressure in education, student device repair programs, leadership communication, IT operations, team culture, and digital transformation in K–12.

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