Schools

New Tech Director Ready to Lead Plymouth-Canton Schools Into the Future

Elson Liu, former director of technology for Brighton Area Schools, will begin his new position in Plymouth-Canton on Aug. 26.

With the technology portion of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools $114 million bond just getting underway, the district's new technology director will have a big task in front of him. 

Elson Liu was named director of integrated technology systems for Plymouth-Canton Schools at the board meeting last week. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations Monica Merritt said the Liu was a unanimous choice for the position. 

Liu, a graduate of both Stanford and MIT, has been the director of technology for Brighton Area Schools since 2008, where he lead the technology portion of the district's $88.4 million bond initiative.

Liu said he was not actively looking for a new job when he heard about the position with Plymouth-Canton Schools.

"The more I found out about it, the more it became a great opportunity," Liu said. "I had a chance to meet the leadership team and it seems like a good team to work with. And the tech bond course and the 1:1 program that they're implementing are a huge challenge and I wanted to be a part of that."

Liu will begin his new position with the district on Monday, Aug. 26. He is currently wrapping up the second phase of Brighton's technology bond. 

Liu will replace Jim Casteel, who retired over the summer. 

Merritt said 21 candidates applied for the position, nine of which were interviewed. Three candidates, including Liu, were brought back for a second interview. 

"He has everything we need to lead us forward with this dynamic team and this vision," Merritt said to Liu. "You have a big task in front of you and we know you're prepared to do it."


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