On any given school day, more than 1,700 students fill Redwood’s classrooms. Each and every day, students rely on a vast network of technology that facilitates many aspects of learning. Chromebooks, attendance systems and access to WiFi are just some of the forms of technology that are integral to Redwood’s educational capabilities.
Borna Navab, the tier one specialist of Redwood’s information technology (IT) department, is behind it all. Most students only acknowledge the technology around them when there is a problem. However, Navab works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the school’s technological systems run as smoothly as possible at all times.
“My job is to make sure that all the staff, students and teachers have the tech tools that are required to fulfill their jobs every day,” Navab said.
All devices at Redwood require stable internet connection and cybersecurity. When threats to the network occur, it is often Navab who acts quickly to solve them.
“Whether that’s fixing printers, internet connectivity issues [or] software issues, I’m the main contact point for the staff members on campus,” Navab said.
Navab was previously in the wine industry, doing harvests and working in cellars. In search of a career change, he became inspired by a close friend who worked in IT at a charter school.
“I did whatever I could to basically get my foot in the door and land my first IT job,” Navab said.
Navab is entering his first year at Redwood and his first job experience in educational IT.
“I had been wanting to work in education IT for some time, and I like the school and academic environment quite a bit,” Navab said.
Every day, Navab conquers countless support requests from teachers, staff and students alike. Redwood social studies teacher Christy Silkworth notes that Navab isn’t just a tech whiz, but also an amazing new addition to the Redwood staff.
“I’ve gotten the privilege of working with him a few times already this year. He is incredibly responsive and talented at what he does, and is such a nice and genuine person. I’m excited that he is here [at Redwood],” Silkworth said.
Additionally, Advanced Placement English Language and Composition teacher, Fiona Allan, has worked through tech issues with Navab and recalls nothing short of a positive experience.
“[Navab] was super helpful and kind. He made the whole experience super easy,” Allan said.
Though just a couple of months into the job, it is clear that Navab is making a positive impact on the community, while thoroughly enjoying his time here.
“I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t replace it for anything else,” Navab said.
