Blackford County School District Plans to Bring IT In-House, Saving $89,000 Per Year

From the Blackford County School Board meeting on March 17, 2026

Blackford County Schools is restructuring its IT department by ending its on-site technician contract with Five Star Technology and bringing those positions in-house. The board discussed the plan favorably at its March 17 meeting, with a formal vote expected in April.

The current IT structure costs approximately $329,000 per year, including two contracted on-site technicians at about $148,320 annually, a virtual chief technology officer service at $12,000, and a $36,000 engineering partnership. The superintendent noted the contracted technicians represent a significant markup — the techs earn $22 to $25 per hour, but the district pays $6,180 per month per technician to Five Star.

The proposed structure would cost approximately $240,000 per year. One in-house technician would be hired at $22 to $26 per hour. Chris Painter, currently a tech integration coach on a 205-day contract, would be promoted to Director of Technology on a year-round 260-day contract. Five Star would be retained only for engineering services at $3,075 per month on a three-year contract, plus cloud backup at about $16,000 annually. Student interns and apprentices would supplement support.

When a board member asked whether the district was "settling" by promoting a teacher into the tech director role, the superintendent defended Painter's qualifications, noting he has been recruited by other districts. Five Star's on-site contract expires at Christmas 2026, but Five Star is willing to release it early this summer.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County School Board meeting, March 17, 2026