Member Spotlight: Board of Director Candidate - Ben Markley

Ben Markley

With over 20 years dedicated to serving students, staff, and communities across several California school districts, Ben Markley’s strategic leadership ensures technology has a positive impact on classrooms and student achievement. Ben’s vision for a supportive, empathetic, and responsive IT team, prioritizing classroom needs, significantly influences student learning through technology. In 2015, Ben became a certified CTO through the California IT in Education (CITE) organization. He strives to give back and invest in future IT leaders as he serves as an instructor and mentor for the CITE CTO Mentor program and regularly presents on topics focused on IT leadership, strategy, and systems thinking.

As the Chief Technology Officer at Hemet Unified School District, Mr. Markley believes it is critical to develop a proactive team focused on customer service, while at the same time using innovation and creativity to discover solutions. In 2022, the California School Board Association honored Ben and his team with the Golden Bell Award for “Innovation in a Time of Crisis.” Additionally, Ben’s individual accolades include ACSA Region XIX’s 2024 Technology Administrator of the Year, 2022 CITE Technology Leader of the Year, and San Diego County’s 2018 Technology Administrator of the Year.

How long have you been in your current role and how did you get there?

"I have served as the CTO for Hemet USD for the past six years. My journey in K12 IT began in 2000 when I took on the role of Computer Technician for Lake Elsinore Unified School District. During my time there, I focused on my technical skills while expanding my knowledge in SasiXP, Student Information Systems (SIS), and data reporting.

In 2008, I transitioned into my first leadership position as the SIS Supervisor for Perris Union High School District. While at Perris I focused on developing my leadership abilities through team-building and effective communication. Then in 2013, I was seeking a larger role and was selected as Director of IT for Valley Center-Pauma USD in San Diego County.

This Director role offered me the chance to deepen my leadership skills further, which led me to join and graduate from the CITE CTO Mentor program in 2015. Shortly after, I was promoted to CTO at Valley Center-Pauma USD.

In 2018, seeking a better work-life balance and a shorter commute, I joined Hemet USD as CTO, where I have been proudly serving ever since."

What's a recent win you've had at work?

"I have nearly completed presenting at all 28 site staff meetings at Hemet USD schools. I attempt to annually meet and present to school site staff on IT goals, updates, and projects. Time with staff is invaluable in making connections, alignment of standards, and soliciting feedback on how IT can best serve our staff and students."

How long have you been a CITE member? What is your favorite memory from a CITE event?

"I attended my first CITE (CETPA) conference in 2013. I quickly embraced the culture and learning it provided me as a new IT Director searching for support and guidance. One of my favorite memories of CITE was being recognized as the 2022 CITE Technology Leader of the Year. My mom and dad were able to attend and see me accept the recognition on behalf of my team and the hard work and success we've accomplished."

What do you do in your limited free time?

"I love the outdoors and keeping active. Camping, hiking, fishing, and soccer are just a few of my favorite pastimes. If not at work, you'll often find me in the evenings and weekends on the soccer field either refereeing or coaching. I've recently been coaching a highly competitive 2008 (17U) boys' soccer team for the past 8 years."

Are there any special shout outs you'd like to give to someone in your life or the CITE community who has made a special impact on you?

"Thank you to the many colleagues who have helped support and encourage me over the years. I'd also like to thank the Hemet USD IT team for entrusting me to lead our team, I'm so grateful for your hard work and ongoing commitment to serving our students, staff, and community. We are extremely lucky to have such a gifted and dedicated bunch who call Hemet USD their home."

If someone is intimidated or reluctant to get involved with CITE, what advice would you give them?

"Investing time in your development as a person and technologist is crucial. But getting involved with CITE is much more than that. Your experiences and perspectives are valuable, and your voice deserves to be heard. So get involved, you're always welcome here."