School board approves new technology officer

Laguna Beach Unified School District board members unanimously approved Sean Colt as the district’s new chief technology officer at a special board meeting Friday.

Colt currently is the director of technology at Belmont-Redwood Shores School District in Belmont, where he manages all of the district’s information technology including computer maintenance, Internet access and computer hardware and software purchases, according to the district’s website.

Colt replaces Victor Guthrie, who is leaving Aug. 1 to take a job as the chief technology officer for American Community School of Abu Dhabi, a private K-12 campus, in the United Arab Emirates.

“I work in a small district and after investigating surrounding areas, to come work for a high-performing school [district] is a great opportunity,” Colt said by phone Friday.

Laguna Beach Unified staff is working with Colt and Belmont-Redwood Shores officials on when he will start, interim human resources director Kathy Kessler wrote in an email.

Laguna Beach Unified received 40 applications for the position.

Colt, who began at Belmont-Redwood Shores in August 2008, helped set up wireless access in each of the seven schools there (six elementary and one middle school), educational services director Jennifer Kollmann wrote in a May letter of recommendation. He also began setting up computers to handle new Common Core state tests, the letter said.

“I am excited about [Colt], who is well-qualified, experienced and talented,” Smith said.

Kessler praised Colt’s capabilities at Friday’s meeting.

“This is an important position not only for the technical aspects, but for the community aspect,” Kessler said. “The ability to be the face of the district, responsive to the needs of staff and be responsive to the community.”

Before coming to Belmont-Redwood Shores, Colt worked at Dell, managing accounts with state and local government, K-12 and higher education, his resume said.

He earned an MBA from Fresno State University.

Laguna Beach Unified is also accepting applications to fill two other positions: the assistant superintendent of instructional services and director of human resources and communications, Kessler said.

Both positions are listed on EdJoin.org a national online education job board, with a closing date of Aug. 19, according to Kessler.