BFTP: What money can't buy (in life and tech department)

Here's a post that may help counteract the negativity we see in the news so much today. Not that anyone needs any positive thoughts!

Frank Sonnenberg's book Follow Your Conscience lists 50 things money can't buy. They are:

1. Respect
2. Well-adjusted kids
3. Work-life balance
4. Natural beauty
5. Manners
6. Common sense
7. A clear conscience
8. Purpose in life
9. Integrity
10. Good friends
11. A long life
12. Close-knit family
13. An open mind
14. A worry-free day
15. Trust
16. A new beginning
17. Clean arteries
18. A great idea
19. An honest politician
20. Peace of mind
21. A good hair day
22. Patience
23. Luck
24. A good epitaph
25. Happy memories
26. Time to relax
27. A strong work ethic
28. A positive attitude
29. A happy home
30. Everything you may want
31. Good karma
32. Appreciation of the simple things
33. True love
34. A new shot at a missed opportunity
35. Peace in the world
36. A golden anniversary
37. Talent
38. A second chance in life
39. Quality time with your kids
40. Wisdom
41. Happiness
42. Humility
43. A good reputation
44. A 25-hour day
45. Relationship with your kids
46. Youth
47. Class
48. Justice
49. A proper perspective
50. Selflessness

While I sometimes wish that I had enough money to actually try and buy happiness, I have to admit the things that I appreciate most can't be put on the Visa card.

And this extends to work.

School budgets are often very, very tight. Which perhaps is not always be a bad thing for technology departments. Without the time spent on acquisition of new "stuff," might we focus on some things that money can't buy in our technology program? Here are some freebies I value:

1. A long-term tech plan with user input and buy-in.
2. District-wide standards for classroom tech, building tech, teacher tech use, and student tech skills.
3. District leaders who "get" how technology can improve education.
4. Collaboration with curriculum and teaching and learning department.
5. A technology department that is truly a team.
6. A zero-based budget that reflects replacement and upgrades.
7. A focus on user experiences by everyone in the tech department.
8. Good communications and relationships with building administrators.
9. A carefully selected, promoted, and wisely used district-wide LMS.
10. A plan to replace textbooks with e-resources.
11. A re-envisioned role and purpose for the library program (and librarians).
12. Public support for technology initiatives, parent and public understandings.
13. Developing a standard "procedures and practices" manual for the tech department.
14. Formal training plan for technology department employees.
15. A practical management strategy for iPads, Chromebooks, and other devices.
16. A policy of figuring out what we want to accomplish with technology before we buy it.
17. A work environment of respect, open conversation, and cooperation - a place where one looks forward to coming to work.
18. A transparent decision-making process.
19. Recognition of teachers who surpass the imagination of even the tech integration specialists in their work with students.
20. Oh, and a tech director with the personal reputation for service, approachability, and student-focus.

I was always happy to have a budget that put more technology in more kids' hands, more training for all our staff, and better online resources for everyone to use.

But I also was glad I had ime to focus on those things that didn't cost a nickel - only energy, focus, and determination. 

What do you value in your technology department that just can't be bought?

Original post 12/21/14