Lynwood Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Innovation Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., has been honored as the 2024 LA County Cabinet Member of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), highlighting his visionary leadership and dedication to fostering a more equitable future for students and the educational community.
Gittisriboongul received the surprise recognition from LACOE representatives on Oct. 14, surrounded by Lynwood Unified administrators, educators and staff, who rose to their feet and chanted “Patrick” while he was presented with a certificate and vibrant green jacket.
“This award represents the hard work of our entire team at Lynwood Unified, and I am proud to be part of a District that continues to push boundaries and ensure that every student has equitable access to the technology and resources they need to thrive,” Gittisriboongul said.
With over 20 years of experience in information and educational technology, Gittisriboongul has been an incredibly valuable asset to the District, responsible for several notable accomplishments, including:
- Setting the vision and strategic roadmap for the District’s Digital Equity Initiative
- Spearheading the creation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Taskforce to help identify opportunities and strategies for integrating AI skills and technologies into classrooms
- Leading the development of a successful private/public sector partnership that brought free and low-cost internet to students’ homes during the pandemic
“Dr. Gittis’ innovative approach has not only transformed our District’s technology initiatives but also created a more inclusive environment for our students by reducing digital inequities and improving access to opportunities,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., said. “We are proud to stand alongside him as we strive for excellence in education in the digital age.”
Gittisriboongul will be formally recognized during the Los Angeles County Superintendents’ Professional Collaborative Conference on Thursday, Nov. 7.