Kevin Boulard

by Stephanie J. Serrano

Kevin Boulard, Hardware Technician for the Hudson School District, is a testimony to the fact that it’s never too late to do what you love. Previously employed as maintenance supervisor for the Hills Garrison and Nottingham West Schools, Boulard recently made a career change.

Since 1988, Boulard has worked on the custodial staff, doing both inside and outside maintenance for the Litchfield Middle School, Nottingham West and Hills Garrison School.

Hills Garrison’s School Principal, Marilyn Martellini recalls Boulard as being very observant and always fascinated by computers. She remembers Boulard observing the technicians while they were wiring the Nottingham West computers for Internet access. Boulard would stay after normal working hours, to observe the installation process.

Going above and beyond his job description, Boulard was always eager to assist the school staff with anything from custodial issues to computer related problems. Martellini describes Boulard as friendly, outgoing, honest, upfront, dependable and reliable.

Boulard’s family members are admired and well respected, reflecting the outstanding character of this hard working husband and father. Working together, Boulard’s wife and son helped prepare for the grand opening of Hills Garrison when the staff was under serious time constraints. “Kevin would work 14-18 hours a day. He knew the gut of the building, and what it takes to get a job done. He’s known to give 110%,” says Martellini.

“The school children loved Kevin,” adds Martellini, who said that while Boulard worked in custodial services, children with special needs and behavioral challenges would choose to work with Kevin as their reward.

Boulard said he found much favor and support from the school faculty at both Nottingham West and Hills Garrison School when he applied for the Computer Technician position.

An excerpt from Martellini’s recommendation letter read, “Boulard is a gem at his craft. I consider him an invaluable member of our team.”

Tinkering with mechanical parts and attempting to repair them was something Boulard always enjoyed. He recalls the enjoyment he got from working on cars and bicycles.

Seven years ago, Boulard enrolled himself in a Macintosh course being offered through the school district. “At the time, I would mess around with my friends computers, and self teach,” says Boulard. Boulard became increasingly intrigued by these fascinating machines.

Prior to applying for the town elected position of Computer Technician, Boulard took an online PC repair course offered through the Stratford Career Institute in Washington, DC. Upon completing the course, Boulard received A+ Certification.

Although he’s partial to the school politics, Boulard truly enjoys his new career. Boulard has a special interest in networking computers and is eager to enroll in a Networking program in the near future.

For the interim, Boulard keeps current in his profession by subscribing to several different computing magazines and doing independent research online.

Because Boulard started exploring computers years ago, he is one of two people knowledgeable of most of the programs that are currently being used throughout the school district. He says his biggest challenge has been learning the financial program and school servers.

“I’m the man who does anything and everything that everybody else won’t do when it comes to computers,” Boulard says with a chuckle. “It’s a good feeling, being the person everyone looks forward to seeing, because they know you’re there to fix their computer.”

With the installation of new T1 lines and servers at the schools, Boulard is beginning to embark on cutting edge security issues that affect computers and networks. He has been to various security seminars since accepting his new job.

Occasionally, Boulard still wear two hats. Always eager to help a fellow coworker, Boulard remains willing to offer advice to his former custodial staff.

Boulard reports to Mike Montore, Technology Coordinator for the school district. Montore commends Boulard for his tremendous support during the Hills Garrison networking project that occurred last year. Boulard volunteered his time and knowledge during the IT networking project. Montore, who was overseeing the project, said there were very few times that he had to visit the school. Boulard was able to handle the issues at hand.

Boulard said, when the Hudson School District asked why I would put in extra un-paid hours, to help staff with computer issues and projects, I’d tell them, “I benefit from your computers, and you benefit from my practice on your computers.”

“Boulard did a fantastic job,” says Montore. He took it upon himself to install all of classroom computers, as they were donated to the school.

Montore says, “Boulard’s been a great asset. He’s got a great work ethic and stick to it attitude.” And, he adds, Boulard is pretty relentless when he gets stuck on a problem, and won’t stop until he gets an answer.”