IT Systems Specialist Greg Thomas had his last day of work before winter break after nearly 20 years at Whitman.

Thomas was chiefly responsible for keeping the computer network running; he also dealt with printer and software malfunctions.

Principal Alan Goodwin asked for an exemption from MCPS’s hiring freeze so that he may hire a replacement, he said.

“In the meantime, MCPS has been very supportive in sending people down to troubleshoot with issues as they arise,” Goodwin said. “We’ve had a few substitutes in the building that come from either central office or other schools.”

During his time at Whitman, Thomas oversaw major technology changes.

“He was here during a huge period of technological growth,” math teacher David Rosen said. “If you were to go back 19 years ago, the Internet was barely going. Certainly the proliferation of computers, the Promethean Boards, I’m sure [Thomas] was greatly responsible for a lot of that taking place.”

Teachers relied on Thomas’s guidance as they struggled with new technology. During certain periods of difficulty, the science department requested Thomas’s assistance five or six times a week, science resource teacher Don Demember said.

“He kept the basics up and going,” he said.

Now that he is retired Thomas is looking to concentrate on constructing a home while potentially balancing a part-time job, Goodwin said.