"Imagine a string of Christmas lights like in a big ball. That's what I do." For nearly a decade, Kerri Quarta, the Director of Data Reporting and Technology Integration, has been untangling the complex web of data, technology, and educational systems that keep Unity Point running smoothly behind the scenes. I was interim tech director for 23-24 while still teaching full time. I became full time director in 24-25.

Quarta's role is anything but typical. "It's one of those complex positions to describe because I've heard some people say, I just enter data, but that's not really what I do. I manipulate the data," she explains. "You can have all this information, but unless you know how to compile that data and where to put it, that's a whole different ball game."

Her journey to this unique position began in 2015 when she arrived at Unity Point as a fifth and sixth-grade math teacher. Originally from West Frankfort, Quarta earned her bachelor's degree from SIU Carbondale and taught for eight years in Vincennes, Indiana, before returning to Southern Illinois to be closer to family.

"I honestly wasn't aware of the background or the reputation of Unity Point at the time," she admits. "My husband and I bought our first house in 2018, and I remember the guy that built our house asking where I was teaching. When I told him, he's like, 'Oh wow, that's cream of the crop.' He knew the reputation better than I did."

During COVID-19, Quarta was asked by administration to help train teachers on online instruction due to her technology background, all while earning two additional master's degrees from Grand Canyon University—one in English and another in instructional technology.  What started as a math teaching position evolved when Unity Point's previous IT director left unexpectedly.  When the opportunity arose to transition into the technology director role, she embraced the challenge.

Her dual perspective as both teacher and technologist makes her uniquely qualified for Unity Point's complex needs. She still teaches technology classes during the exploratory rotation for middle school students, covering everything from spreadsheets and coding, to financial literacy and teaching students to graphically design shirts for Field Day.

But it's her behind-the-scenes work that truly keeps Unity Point functioning. Quarta maintains the district's student information system (Synergy), ensuring accurate state reporting on everything from enrollment and attendance to special education services and English learner status. When new students arrive, she ensures their information flows seamlessly into multiple subscription services and systems like the cafeteria's lunch program.

"Say a new student starts today, that information isn't already in that subscription. When that teacher goes to test or assess the student, that information needs to be ready to go," she explains. "It even goes all the way down to being able to scan a student's ID card in the cafeteria."

Her work extends to coordinating state testing, troubleshooting grade submission issues, and managing the complex data flows that connect Unity Point's various educational platforms. "There's not a cookie-cutter role that I do—there are so many different things," she says.

Beyond the technical aspects, Quarta embodies Unity Point's core values of acceptance and diversity. When asked what makes Unity Point special, she points to the flags in the library representing countries where students come from. "Unity Point is a place where families are comfortable coming from all over the world, and faculty and staff are lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet and work with people from all over the world," she says.

This global perspective enriches the entire school community. "Some of the teachers even get an opportunity to learn other languages—whether it's just a few words that kids teach you. It makes a great learning environment because the kids are not only eager to learn English if that's not their primary spoken language, but they're eager to share what they know or where they came from."

For Quarta, Unity Point represents a place where "you can just be yourself, be comfortable in your own shoes, and it's a place that values differences." She believes the staff shares a common goal: "making sure that all children succeed and that they're being met at their level."

As Unity Point continues evolving, Quarta's unique blend of educational insight and technical expertise ensures the school's data systems support its mission of meeting every student where they are. Like untangling those Christmas lights, her work might not always be visible, but without it, nothing else would illuminate properly.