Lightning Talk
Scaling Smartsheet in Education: The SD51 Playbook
Tuesday, Nov 4 | 5:05PM - 5:20PM
Details
How do you build a legacy of efficiency that transforms an entire school district? In this fast-paced lightning talk, hear how Mesa County Valley School District 51 harnesses Smartsheet to streamline processes, break down silos, and unlock new levels of productivity. Guided by Deanna Vandermeer’s leadership, SD51 has scaled Smartsheet across departments to support operations, programs, and facilities alike. Attendees will see how one district created multiple solutions for efficiency in education—and how any organization can replicate that impact.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Getting Time Back for Educators: Embed Smartsheet across departments to streamline work and connect people.
- Enduring Leadership: Design processes that outlast roles and ensure continuity for the district.
- Solution Inspiration: Explore adaptable ideas districts and organizations can shape to their own needs.
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Content Track Scale at any stage |
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User Level Intermediate |
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Industry
Education |
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Location Experience Hub - Lightning Talk Theater |
Speakers
Deanna Vandermeer
Deanna Vandermeer has served Mesa County Valley School District 51 for more than 38 years, with extensive experience supporting both school-level operations and district administration. Currently working within the Chief Academic Office with a primary focus on finance, Deanna has been instrumental in transforming processes through technology. After the district’s transition away from Microsoft in 2017, she identified Smartsheet as a replacement platform and successfully championed its adoption. Starting with just 10 licenses in 2018, she has overseen the growth of Smartsheet usage to more than 75 licensed users and 20,000+ assets and workspaces. Today, she plays a key role in onboarding and training users, developing solutions across departments, and driving efficiency through innovative Smartsheet applications. Outside of work, Deanna enjoys spending time with her family; she and her husband have proudly raised three children and now cherish the joy of five grandchildren.
Paul Newcome
Senior Solution Architect and Integrator
Paul Newcome is a Senior Solution Architect at 10xViz with more than 8 years of Smartsheet experience. As the #1 Contributor to the Smartsheet Online Community, he has authored over 36,000 posts and helped thousands of users solve complex challenges. Paul is recognized for combining strategic vision with precise technical detail, making him a trusted resource for best practices and advanced Smartsheet solutions. When not “nerding out” in Smartsheet, he’s most likely deep in the woods camping, kayaking, and enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Dustin Wise
Director of Solution Innovation
Dustin, with over 16 years of experience in engineering, operations, and leadership, is known for his innovative mindset and creative problem-solving. As the Director of Solution Innovation, he leads our business development, client engagement, and team leadership, focusing on delivering automated, efficient solutions through Smartsheet. Dustin’s collaborative spirit, curiosity, and ability to inspire action drive our mission to exceed client expectations and return their most precious resource—time.
Cassandra Geske-Ross
Cassandra Geske-Ross is a creative problem-solver who brings heart and innovation to everything she does. Through her work with Smartsheet, she’s built user-friendly systems that make work smarter, more organized, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Cassandra loves turning everyday challenges into opportunities for efficiency, helping teams stay connected, projects stay on track, and ideas come to life. Her passion for structure and simplicity doesn’t stop at work. Cassandra uses Smartsheet to organize her personal life and even her small home business, creating a sense of flow and balance between all the things that matter most. She believes that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can design a system that supports both productivity and peace of mind.