The PAEC Student Data Services (SDS) team has been thoughtfully assembled to include experts in the field. We take pride in the fact that each member of our staff has hands-on experience and has “sat in the seat” they now support, giving them a practical understanding of the challenges your team faces daily. This firsthand experience allows them to provide realistic, effective solutions tailored to your staff’s needs.
We are proud to be experts that have “Sat in the Seat” of District MIS
Katie Foley
Student Data Services Manager
Katie launched her career in education in 1999 as a State Report Specialist for Manatee County Schools, where she played an instrumental role in overseeing the district’s transition from TERMS to the FOCUS platform. Her meticulous management ensured a targeted and efficient system conversion. Building on this success, Katie took on the role of Project Manager at Focus School Software, where she guided school districts of all sizes through implementation processes, helping them fully leverage the FOCUS platform to optimize their operations.
In 2013, Katie was selected by the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC) to spearhead the creation of a comprehensive help desk for PAEC SDS. Under her visionary leadership, the department has grown into the premier provider of FOCUS and state reporting support, recognized across Florida for its excellence. As the Student Data Services Manager, Katie is celebrated for her compassionate, hands-on approach to user support, ensuring that educators and administrators alike feel empowered and informed.
Beyond her work at PAEC, Katie holds a key leadership position within the Florida Association of Management Information Systems (FAMIS). In this capacity, she collaborates closely with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and school districts across the state to drive innovation in data systems and enhance educational services. With her deep expertise and unwavering commitment to education technology, Katie has established herself as a prominent leader in the field, consistently advancing the role of data in shaping the future of education.
Aaron Nicely
Senior IT Project Consultant & Database Developer
Aaron is a seasoned technology leader with over a decade of expertise in managing Student Information Systems (SIS) across small and rural school districts in Florida. At PAEC SDS, Aaron oversees technical services for 20 school districts, providing expert-level training, support, and innovative solutions to ensure successful operations.
His experience is reinforced by a strong history of leadership and public speaking. Aaron has been a recurring presenter at the Florida Association of MIS (FAMIS) conference for over seven years. He also coordinated the Florida Focus Innovators Group (FIG) for five years, fostering collaboration and driving innovation among districts.
In 2011, Aaron first began working with Focus School Software, where he quickly advanced to Data Operations Manager due to his success in leading complex data conversions for multiple school districts. His experience working with small districts expanded further as the Software and Database Manager for Wakulla County Schools. In 2015, he successfully implemented the Focus Postsecondary system for Lively Technical College.
Since joining PAEC SDS in 2015, Aaron has written hundreds of custom reports, integrated various third-party systems, and developed innovative applications. His project management skills and technical abilities have led to the completion of numerous technical projects, making him a trusted advisor and a key contributor to the success of school districts throughout the state.
Scarlet Retherford
Support Specialist
Scarlet’s journey in education began in 1995 as a teacher in Jackson County. Recognizing her expertise in technology and its growing importance in schools, she was appointed Technology Coordinator in 1998, a position she held for 16 years. In 2014, she transitioned to the Jackson County School Board as an MIS Data Specialist, where she was mentored in MIS under two 30 year veteran MIS managers.
Since joining the PAEC SDS team in 2020, Scarlet has provided invaluable support and technical assistance to all participating districts.
She is highly regarded for her patient, caring approach to support and her deep expertise in MIS. Scarlet has led several hands-on projects, including the complete redesign and reorganization of demographic screens in FOCUS, helping districts enhance their data quality and making data entry staff more efficient.
Natasha Pittman
IT Project Consultant & Database Developer
Natasha is passionate about empowering others through technology and thrives on tackling unique challenges. She started her journey in educational technology in 2012 as the Software Specialist for Suwannee County School District, where she quickly gained recognition for her innovative problem-solving skills and her commitment to helping others achieve their technology goals.
To enhance her skills, Natasha earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Western Governors University, graduating in 2018 with the honor of speaking at her commencement ceremony.
During her studies, she obtained several CompTIA certifications and received the Capstone Excellence Award for her work on implementing a Learning Management System. This accomplishment highlighted her dedication to the field and demonstrated her ability to contribute to meaningful change in educational environments.
Natasha stepped into the role of Assistant Director of Technology in 2019, where she made a significant impact at Suwannee County School District until transitioning to PAEC in the summer of 2024. Now, as an IT Project Consultant and Database Developer for the PAEC SDS team, she provides technical expertise, training, and database management support for participating districts.
