For John Legere, Director of Technology at Robbinsville Public Schools, the most rewarding part of his job isn’t found in servers or software—it’s in watching young professionals discover their potential.
Since taking the helm in 2021, Legere has transformed the district’s technology department into more than just a support operation.
It’s become a training ground where college students gain real-world experience and launch meaningful careers in technology.
"It is an honor to be able to help the next generation prepare for careers in this exciting and constantly evolving field," Legere said. "Our interns are a tremendous asset to our team, and it is my hope all of them come out of their time here with the skills to excel in their own career."
Under Legere’s guidance, the department has expanded its internship program to include college students year-round, providing them with hands-on experience across the district’s numerous buildings.
The program gives interns exposure to everything from network administration to user support, preparing them for the realities of working in educational technology.
The results speak for themselves: three former interns have secured full-time technology positions after completing their time with Robbinsville Public Schools, a success rate Legere considers one of his proudest achievements.
"These young professionals come in eager to learn, and we give them meaningful work that actually impacts our schools," Legere said. "They’re not just shadowing or doing busy work. They’re solving real problems and developing skills that translate directly to their careers."
The internship program also delivers practical benefits for the district. The interns provide essential "boots on the ground" support across buildings at a sustainable cost, while bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the team.
Legere manages four full-time employees, one part-time employee and four interns, creating a collaborative environment where experienced staff mentor emerging professionals.
"The strong relationships we have with all Robbinsville Public Schools stakeholders allows us to move fast in times of crisis and also builds the trust we need to be proactive instead of reactive," Legere said.
This philosophy extends to his approach with interns, where open communication and mutual respect form the foundation of effective learning.
Legere’s commitment to developing talent aligns with his wider passion for teaching youth how to deal with adversity and maintain a neutral mindset.
In addition to his work at the Robbinsville Public Schools, Legere is an athletics coach in his local community, where the development of traits such as thoughtfulness and selflessness is just as important as development on the field.
In both his professional and athletic mentorship, Legere always evaluates pupils for three key traits: hungry, humble and smart decision making. When those traits are developed, he claims, it opens the door for kids to become exceptional team players in all facets of life.
His practical philosophy is built on the premise of cultivating positive habits, which then solidify into character. He sits with mentees to identify these habits and then works with them to ensure they are implemented over time.
“The small things we do every day determine who we become,” he said. “When we develop habits centered around hard work and long-term growth instead of acting solely on emotion, we have something to help us return to a neutral mindset during times of heightened stress.
Legere remains in contact with several young men and women he has worked with both as a boss and a coach, citing his desire to give back for the help he received from mentors in his youth.
“Mr. Legere’s greatest strength is his mentorship and his genuine commitment to helping the next generation succeed,” said Superintendent Patrick Pizzo.
“He inspires young people through encouragement, honesty, and high expectations," said Pizzo. "We look forward to continuing our work with Mr. Legere and his team to grow and strengthen our district wide technology program together.”
For Legere, success extends beyond system uptime and security protocols. It’s measured in the careers launched, the confidence built, and the knowledge passed from one generation to the next, ensuring that both the district’s technology infrastructure and its future workforce remain strong.