After 26 years, Deter to retire as Red Oak district’s IT director

A Red Oak administrator with more than 20 years with the district is retiring at the end of the school year.

Red Oak Schools IT director Bob Deter submitted his resignation and action was taken at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Red Oak School Board.

Deter, who was born in Colorado and grew up in western Nebraska, graduated from Kearney State College in 1983, then taught business and physical education for 12 years in two districts in Nebraska. In addition, he also coached wrestling and football. The family relocated to Red Oak in 1995.

Deter said he didn’t initially start out with a decision to pursue a career in the educational field, but changed plans early in college.

“I grew up in a home where my father was a teacher. He convinced me to major in business administration rather than education, but after my first year, I changed my major to business education and physical education,” Dieter commented.

Deter said while they were in Nebraska, there were no initial plans to move to Red Oak and join the Red Oak District, but again, plans changed.

“We actually had no intention of leaving our home and jobs in Neligh, Nebraska. However, my principal of seven years in Neligh, Terry Weber, was in his first year as principal in Red Oak. After several calls, we came to Red Oak for an interview, and here we are 26 years later,” said Deter.

When he first joined the district, Deter said he served in a number of positions before becoming IT director.

“I initially was hired as a business teacher, FBLA adviser, and wrestling coach. Over the years, my job morphed into my current position. I believe it was around 2001 when I became the half-time tech director, half-time business teacher, FBLA adviser, and wrestling coach. It wasn’t until 2012 that the technology director position became full-time.”

As is often the case with technology, Deter said a lot of things are different since he was first hired in 1995.

“A lot has changed in education technology during my 38 years in education. In fact, this position didn’t exist in K-12 schools when I graduated from college. My first business classroom had 10 manual typewriters and 10 IBM Selectric typewriters. The next year we added two Apple II computers and a dot matrix printer. By the time I arrived in Red Oak, we had computer labs in the business department and the media center. In addition, teachers had a desktop computer in their classrooms. We also used 5 ¼” floppy disks. I am pretty sure that none of our current students had the opportunity to use a floppy disk,” said Deter. “Other than a few specialized labs, computer labs have become a thing of the past. Today, all students and teachers have a laptop. In most cases, the laptops go home. We have gone from inkjet printers in all classrooms to laser printers that were dispersed throughout the buildings. We now have 10 multifunction devices that serve the entire district.”

Another big change in technology has been the elimination of equipment for teaching such as film strip projectors.

“The district has gone from portable multimedia projectors to ceiling and wall mounted projectors, interactive projectors and Smart Boards. Now the projectors are being replaced by Interactive Flat Panels, or IFP’s. Before I leave at the end of the year, every classroom in the district will be equipped with an IFP and the district will have a new cloud-based telephone system,” Deter advised.

With a tenure lasting 26 years, Deter said there were several accomplishments that he’s proud of.

“I think that our Future Business Leaders of America Chapter was one of my favorite accomplishments while I was teaching. I had great groups of students to work with. We had numerous State Officers including five State Presidents. We traveled to State and National Leadership Conferences every year. In 2004, we were named the top chapter in the state. I am also excited about where we are with educational technology compared to where we started. I will also say that I am excited about the direction it is moving. I will be anxious to see where we will be five or 10 years from now.”

Deter’s move to IT director for the district, however, created an experience that left the biggest impact with him.

“The most unique experience I had was when I was first approached to move into a technology position. For two years, the school enrolled me in computer hardware and software classes at SWCC. My classmates in these classes were my students,” Deter explained.

As is often the case, Deter said when his retirement becomes official, there are a lot of people he will miss.

“I have been blessed to work with many great people the last 38 years, at Red Oak and in other districts. Students, coworkers, and even students who have become coworkers. I will miss them all,” Deter said.

After he retires, Deter said he’ll use the oppurtunity to relax for awhile, and spend some quality time family and friends, which will require a little travel.