2016 donovan recommendation jacqueline underwood

1. Submitted: Jan 15, 2016
JACQUELINE UNDERWOOD
46 Whittier Street
Florence, MA 01062
junder@underwoodphoto.com
978-290-2185
________________________________________________________
January 5, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
It’s a pleasure to write this reference on behalf of Paul Donovan who has been the IT
Network/Systems Administrator for Gloucester High School, Gloucester MA since April 2013.
As one of the founding and active members of the Technology Advisory Group at Gloucester
High School, I was introduced to Paul at one of our weekly meetings. Gloucester District had
made a significant commitment to integrating technology to all curriculums, and needed
someone who could facilitate this commitment at the high school. At his first Tech Group
meeting it was clear that he was able and willing to become a team player during this process.
Paul is passionate about making technology work for each teacher and immediately began to
meet with teachers, assess their needs, and work with them to improve technology in their
classrooms. Paul was instrumental in improving Wi-Fi reception in each classroom. Prior to the
start of his tenure at GHS very few classrooms received a signal. Within two years, Paul had
updated the system so that each classroom could use the Internet. Paul faithfully attended
technology meetings and participated in mapping our initiatives such as creating one-to-one
classroom environments. He is relentless in making technology seamless for teachers and
students.
When I took over the Photography department in 2012 I was assigned to shut down the analogue
darkrooms and transition to an all-digital studio. Before Paul’s arrival I was having difficulty
upgrading the few working computers in the room and getting the broken computers repaired.
When Paul stepped into the IT position in the spring of 2013 he met with me on several
occasions to see what he could do to make this transition successful. By the summer of 2013, he
had upgraded the existing computers and repaired the broken ones.
In the fall of 2013 I was given a $70,000 gift of professional studio lighting equipment. Although
this was not Paul’s area of expertise, he researched and assisted me in setting up the equipment.
He would ask me what my vision was, such as wanting to teach from a 70 inch TV screen, and
he made it happen. He took the time to teach me how he integrated all hardware so that I could
take full control of my classroom. In the summer of 2014, I was awarded a grant to purchase 11
iMacs and Adobe Design Suite software. Paul installed all of the computers and the software
programs and integrated them with the teacher’s computer and cameras to allow for live-view
conferences. Paul’s work to insure seamless integration of technology into my photography and

2. design curriculum and my students’ mastery of the studio and technology so impressed the
original donor that he gave us an unprecedented additional gift of $400,000 to insure that the
photography courses would continue in the future.
I can highly recommend Paul Donovan as an IT Network/Systems Administrator. He is
exceptionally knowledgeable, generous with his knowledge, supportive, calm, thoughtful, and
kind. Working in partnership with Paul for two years to complete the Photography transition I
found him open to exchanging ideas, willing to do additional research out of his area of expertise
to insure an optimal integration of curriculum and technology. Paul is not afraid to dream big,
and encourages his colleagues to do the same. As a result, great things happen--like a state-of-
the-art photography program (unlike any other high school) thriving at Gloucester High School. I
am confident that he will be an asset to any organization he works within. If I can provide further
information on his behalf, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Underwood
Retired Fine Art, Photography, and Design Teacher (1994 – 2015)
Gloucester High School
Gloucester, MA