SCAET Board Members

	Valarie D. Byrd, MA – SCAET Chairwoman of the Board Title: Senior Consultant-District Technology Services Institution / Company: SC Department of Education (SCDE) Board Member Since: 2010 About: Valarie has worked in education since 2007. She currently serves on several K12 education and technology focused boards and committees.

	Paula Yohe - Vice Chair Title: Director of Technology and Information Systems Institution / Company: Dillon School District Four Board Member Since: 1984 About: Paula is one of the founding members of SCAET.

	Julie Putnam - Secretary Title: Director for Web & Media Services Institution / Company: Kershaw County School District Board Member Since: 2011 About: Experienced Webmaster with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education industry. Skilled in Secondary Education, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Educational Technology, and Instructional Design. Strong arts and design professional with a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology focused in Education from University of South Carolina-Columbia.

	Jason Jones - Treasurer Title: Client Solutions Executive III Institution / Company: AT&T Board Member Since: 2021 About: AT&T Global Public Sector for State, Local and Education Markets.

	John Anderson - Director Title: Director of Technology Institution / Company: School District of Anderson 2 Board Member Since: 2025 About: John has worked in education technology since 2000. He is currently the Director Technology for Anderson School District Two.

	Salandra Bowman, PhD - Director Title: Chief Learning Officer Institution / Company: SCETV Education Board Member Since: 2021 About: Dr. Bowman is responsible for educator and community-based training and professional development, instructional design and the educational resources provided through SCETV’s premier educational website, KnowItAll.org. She will serve as the lead liaison to the network’s Content division as it pertains to educational (PreK-12) productions, community engagement efforts and the integration of learning activities into general audience productions.

	Victoria Gooch, CPM, MBA - Director Title: SC State E-Rate Coordinator Institution / Company: Department of Administration, OTIS Board Member Since: 2022 About: Program Manager for the South Carolina E-Rate Consortium.

	Matt Hoffman - Director Title: Executive Director, Technology Institution / Company: Clover School District, York #2 Board Member Since: 2025 About: Matt has been passionately involved in Educational Technology since 2007 with Clover School District. He was promoted to Executive Director of Technology in 2014 after successfully leading several key initiatives. Under Matt’s leadership, Clover proudly became a 1 to 1 school district utilizing the Apple Ecosystem, integrating Apple devices for enhanced learning experiences. Matt and his dedicated team support over 9,000 students and 1,100+ staff each day, ensuring device availability, connectivity, and security. Matt is deeply aware of the unique challenges faced by each student and stives to provide personalized support for both students and staff. Matt is committed to prioritizing the human element in Information Technology and ensuring that our goal is to support each child, not each device, each day.

	Dr. Carla Jefferson - Director Title: Director of Intervention and Innovative Programs Institution / Company: Darlington County School District Board Member Since: 2022 About: Carla Jefferson is the Director for Intervention and Innovative Programs for the Darlington County School District. A 28-year veteran educator, she has been a classroom teacher, curriculum facilitator, and district level administrator. Carla is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Educator/Trainer/Innovator, PBS Lead Digital Innovator, a frequent ISTE presenter and a 2020 ISTE featured speaker. Her work has been highlighted in several publications including ISTE Empowered Learner, Tech & Learning Magazine, and District Administrator. In addition to her serving on the SCAET board, Carla currently serves as the treasurer of lSTE+ASCD Board of Directors and lives by the creed, "If not me, who? If not now, when?"

	Jason Paddock - Director Title: Director of Instructional Technology Institution / Company: Spartanburg School District Two Board Member Since: 2025 About: My journey to serving as a Director of Instructional Technology began as an English teacher in 2006 at Spring Valley High School, where I pioneered use of Google Docs in the classroom and served Richland 2 in helping develop its one-to-one vision as part of their iPAC program. My family moved to Spartanburg in 2013, when I became a district instructional technology coach and managed the one-to-one program here. I now serve equally in the Technology and Instruction departments to ensure and support a singular vision of technology use in Spartanburg 2.

	Dr. Jessica Preisig - Director Title: Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services Institution / Company: School District of Pickens County Board Member Since: 2025 About: Jessica Preisig serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services in the School District of Pickens County. Mrs. Preisig provides leadership for a talented technology team dedicated to the continued development of a robust and secure digital ecosystem. Her department provides support for instructional technology, end-user devices, audio-visual technology, safety & security systems, IT infrastructure & services, and information systems & compliance. Jessica is passionate about working alongside the larger SDPC team to create an innovative and engaging instructional environment that empowers students for college, career, and life success. During her 20+ years as an educator, Jessica has served as a classroom teacher, instructional technology coach, school administrator and district leader. She earned her initial undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of South Carolina prior to moving to upstate South Carolina, where she obtained an EdS in Administration and Supervision and will earn her doctorate from Clemson University.

	Taphnie Sanders - Director Title: Director of Information Technology Institution / Company: Orangeburg County School District Board Member Since: 2025 About:Taphnie Sanders currently serves as the Executive Director of Information Technology for Orangeburg County School District, a role she has held since 2023. With more than 27 years of experience in the technology field, she brings a wealth of knowledge in educational technology, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Taphnie began her leadership journey in education as Technology Coordinator during the 2019 inaugural year of Orangeburg County School District, previously Orangeburg School Districts 3, 4 and 5. Her career spans roles in higher education at South Carolina State University and in K–12 with Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, where she has served as a Network Administrator, Information Resource Consultant and Communications Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, minor in Mathematics from South Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in Network and Communications Management with a concentration in Cybersecurity from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. Taphnie is passionate about empowering students and educators through innovative and secure technology solutions. She is honored to serve as a Board Member for the South Carolina Association for Educational Technology (SCAET), where she looks forward to supporting statewide efforts to enhance digital learning environments.

	Shaun P. Shelton - Director Title: Director of Technology Institution / Company: Jasper County School District Board Member Since: 2025 About: A background in Instructional and Information Technology with a love for integrating technology into instruction.

	Bucky Ware - Director Title: Technology Integration Specialist Institution / Company: School District of Newberry County Board Member Since: 2025 About: Bucky Ware serves as Technology Integration Specialist for the School District of Newberry County. A 26-year veteran educator, he previously taught high school English and Journalism. Bucky advocates for instructional innovation, leading professional development and district-wide technology initiatives. He holds a Bachelor's in English from the University of Georgia, and a Masters of Education in Educational Technology from the American College of Education. Bucky also serves on the South Carolina Association of Education Technology Board, is a member of the National School Public Relations Association, and is a former chair of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators Instructional Technology Roundtable.