Two Texas school officials—one in the Dallas Independent School District and one in the San Antonio Independent School District--were recently presented with awards for achievements in their respective fields.

Jack Kelanic is the chief technology officer for the Dallas Independent School District and the winner of the 2021 Dallas CIO of the Year in the public sector category. The program recognizes chief technological officers and other executives in similar roles who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. 

Kelanic has more than 20 years of technology leadership experience that he brings to the position. Among his many responsibilities is developing the long-range technology plan to enable digital learning for Dallas students and improving technology support for schools and district business operations.

In the fall of 2018, under Kelanic’s leadership the district began implementing its Long-Range Technology Master Plan, which called for every middle and high school student to have a tablet or laptop. 

As a result, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in March 2020, the 155,000-student school system was able to begin at-home learning for all middle and secondary students as early as March 23.  

San Antonio Leader Is a Role Model

Willie Burroughs, who serves as chief operations officer for the San Antonio school system, was recently selected as one of the top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs in Texas. Sponsored by communications company d-mars.com, the yearly recognition program highlights individuals who have made significant achievements in their industry and in the state of Texas. 

“As someone who leads with compassion and integrity, I believe my talents and abilities are for the betterment of humanity and to fulfill my God-given purpose,” said Burroughs. “I am humbled and honored to be recognized for my contributions.”

Burroughs leads the district’s Operations Services Division with more than 1,600 employees and is responsible for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of more than 10 million square feet of educational and administrative office space. 

Outside of the professional role he holds, Burroughs is involved in numerous initiatives aimed at ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. He serves on the San Antonio school system’s Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee, the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund and the Board of Directors for the Greater San Antonio Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program.