John Sutherin – IMS Technology Specialist

Location: Islander Middle School

Job Description: “If it has electricity, I deal with it,” says John. The school’s computers, printers, and AV equipment all fall under his care. John also manages the sound system in the Multipurpose room, and helps staff with digital presentations and networking issues. “Basically, I’ll make it work,” says John. “We’re a school district. That’s what we do.”

Typical day: “There is no typical day. Ever,” says John. “I never know what kind of fire I’ll have to put out.” John works with student T.A.’s every period in the Business Center. He trains them to install operating systems on MacBooks. He verifies that every laptop in the building works correctly. He monitors all computer labs to ensure that students are following the computer rules of use. He spends a lot of time resolving connectivity issues with document cameras and LCD projectors.

Best part of the job: “I like working with kids,” says John. “They all know who I am, and they ask me questions about their computers. I had a computer business when I lived in California, and I volunteered to hire an autistic high school student. That’s how I found out I liked working with kids.”

Something people may not know: John was a deputy sheriff in San Diego County for 12.5 years. During his police career he worked in four different maximum-security jails, where he trained incoming deputies. “After working in the jails, you can’t faze me. I’ve seen it all,” says John. He became a nationally certified Drug Recognition Expert, making him qualified to testify in any courtroom in the country. John got involved with technology while working in the jails – he managed the fingerprint computers, and did re-wiring for the computer terminals. Being a policeman, John says, was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. “It was a Starsky and Hutch kind of thing,” he explains. “I loved it.” The dream came to an end, however, when a foot injury forced him into a medical retirement.

Outside interests: John and his wife Susan, who is a counselor at MIHS, live in Bellevue with their two dogs, Nalu (Big Wave) and Murph. John enjoys remote control cars and trucks (the dogs do not). He also builds model trains and likes to ride his motorcycle, a 1998 BMW K1200RS. “I am one of those people who can do a hundred things at once,” says John. “Sometimes it’s hard to do just one thing!”