Schools

Ridgefield Schools Hire Monroe's Tech Director

Dr. Craig Tunks has been employed in Monroe schools for eight years.

During the work week, Monroe Public Schools' technology director, Dr. Craig Tunks, leaves his New York home, then turns onto Route 287 toward the Merritt Parkway as part of a 63 mile trip. Tunks has found a way to significantly shorten his morning commute. He accepted the position of Director of Technology and Operations Development in Ridgefield. 

The move means cutting the 90 minutes on the road down to 40.

"It was never about money," Tunks said. "It was about quality of life."

Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In his eight years in Monroe, Tunks wore a lot of hats. He is director of technology operations and performance management, which encompasses facilities, technology and human resources.

"I'm gonna miss the people," he said. "I'm gonna miss the administrators. The things I would miss, I will miss so much I don't know where to begin."

Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When he was first hired in Monroe, Tunks recalls the teachers union leader writing him to welcome him to the district. "That was before I even had my first day," Tunks said.

The Monroe Board of Education will accept his letter of resignation during a special meeting at the school district's central office, 375 Monroe Turnpike, this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The board will also vote to post for the position of director of technology and operations.

Tunks said he has already received touching emails from people wishing him well in his new endeavors.

His last day in Monroe will be Friday, Aug. 17, and he will start his new job in Ridgefield on Monday, Aug. 20.

"I think I can really contribute there. It's exciting," Tunks said of Ridgefield Public Schools. "They're looking to do a huge amount of work with data and supporting interaction using data and they're ready to blaze a new trail in Bring Your Own Technology to the middle school and the high school."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here