Stability, Simplicity, Strategy: A School IT Playbook

Raphael Dechief, IT Manager, International School of Brussels

Raphael Dechief, IT Manager, International School of Brussels

Lessons from School IT: Mission Before Machines

Working in an international K–12 school taught me that technology only matters if it helps learning. We’re not running IT for its own sake; we’re supporting the mission of educating the leaders of tomorrow. If the classroom can’t start on time, the impact is immediate. I also learned that you can’t prevent everything, so the schools that recover best are the ones with strong, tested backups and a clear recovery plan. Finally, big projects showed me that simple and standard usually wins: fewer systems, fewer exceptions, easier support.

Building Reliable IT: Plan, Protect, Communicate Clearly

• Focus on the classroom: reliability and ease of use come first.

• Strong account security: MFA, good passwords and limiting admin access.

• Good planning and standard tools: fewer platforms, clear choices, easier support.

• Good vendor management: clear contracts, clear data rules, clear exit plan.

• Anticipating change management: every new tool impacts teachers.

Plan training, explain the “why,” and support adoption. Clear communication explains changes clearly and helps people feel confident using the tools.

Controlled Innovation Approach: Test, Review, Then Scale

I don’t block innovation. We are always open to new projects in a school. Teachers and students need space to try new ideas. The key is to introduce change in controlled steps: clear goal, small pilot, simple rules and a review before scaling.

"If you keep learning at the center and build strong foundations around it, your technology strategy will naturally align with the school’s mission."

Stability comes from protecting the foundation. Core systems like identity, network and backups must stay strong while we experiment at the edges. I also try to avoid adding too many tools. Too much technology creates cost, noise and risk. It’s better to use fewer tools well than many tools badly.

What’s Reshaping IT: AI, Risk, Accountability

AI, growing cyber threats and increasing regulations are changing the role of IT leaders in schools. We are no longer only managing infrastructure — we are helping define policies, guide responsible technology use and ensure resilience.

The rise of many digital tools means we must think about integration, cost control and user experience, not just deployment. At the same time, leadership, families and staff expect transparency around data and privacy.

The role has shifted from technical support to strategic leadership.

Wisdom from Experience: Learning First, Tech Second

First, understand teaching and learning before focusing on technology. Spend time in classrooms, listen to teachers and make sure every project clearly supports student learning.

Second, get the basics right. Reliable systems create trust and free teachers to focus on students instead of technical problems.

Third, learn to communicate and build relationships. Leading IT in a school is about people, not machines. You must explain decisions clearly, work closely with leadership and stay calm during challenges.

If you keep learning at the center and build strong foundations around it, your technology strategy will naturally align with the school’s mission.