The ringing of phones and the whirring of the printer fill the bustling sounds of the office as staples are punched into files and cabinets are opened and closed. Computers hum, and keyboards clack as electricity runs through wires, and signals are sent through systems. 

After working for Region 16 for 15 years, Chief Technology Officer Danny Parrot joined Canyon ISD this semester after his predecessor, Michael Keough, left to work at Region 16. Parrot and his team are currently working on getting the technology at the new elementary school ready, but they also help distribute Chromebooks within the district.

“I’m ultimately responsible for all the technology in the district, and that includes the Chromebooks and Promethean boards,” Parrot said. “All the stuff we do is to help students succeed. I want to ensure all students have the technology they need.”

In December, Parrot graduated from West Texas A&M University with a Masters of Business Education. Parrot also has a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Information Management Systems from Texas Tech University. 

“In my first job out of college, I worked for a genetic company,” Parrot said. “I worked on servers in the back office, and then also worked in user support; it’s like going out and helping people get their printers all lined out.”

According to the organization, Region 16’s mission is to “enhance student’s success by providing quality services.” 

“I have a unique skill set where I have both management experience and technology experience,” Parrot said. “I came to Region 16, and I was technical there at first. Then, about three or four months later I started moving into management. I really started to understand the issues schools were facing”

Parrot has one child who graduated from Canyon High School and another currently enrolled. Parrot’s previous job worked with Microsoft Office 365, and he said coming to Canyon and switching to Google was an adjustment.