Digital Learning Team & Organizational Chart

Top Row

Digital Learning Specialist - Rosie Fluegel

Digital Learning Specialist - James Varlack

Digital Learning Specialist - Gonzalo Sandoval

Bottom Row

Director - Ann Vega

Digital Learning Secretary - Heather Holder

Library Bookkeeper - Cindy Hernandez

Rosie Fluegel - With over 25 years of experience in Digital Learning at McAllen ISD, Mrs. Rosie Fluegel is a dynamic leader dedicated to advancing educational technology. Passionate about empowering learners, she emphasizes the transformational potential of technology in education. Rosie has shared her expertise at numerous local, regional, and state technology education conferences, showcasing innovative approaches to teaching. She collaborates closely with PK-12 classroom teachers, principals, and district administrators to integrate best practices for technology infusion into teaching and learning. As a certified Apple Learning Coach, Rosie supports educators in maximizing their 1:1 technology learning environments. In addition to her coaching role, she manages the district's Esports and Chess programs and works alongside her colleagues to organize the annual TECHnovate conference for local educators.

Gonzalo Sandoval - Gonzalo Sandoval began his career in education in 1995 as a secondary math and computer science teacher in Edinburg, Texas. He later earned a Master's in education and became a technology specialist for McAllen ISD in 2002. In 2017, Mr. Sandoval earned a Master's in computer science from the University of Texas RGV. As a technology specialist, he provides ongoing professional development for district teachers and administrators on technology tools like interactive whiteboards, Google Apps and other online applications.

James Varlack -James Varlack is a Digital Learning Specialist with McAllen ISD in McAllen, TX. The Digital Learning Team provides instructional technology support for 20,000 students and 1600 teachers and staff. He is certified as an Apple Learning Coach, Pear Deck Coach, Wakelet Ambassador, and SMART Technologies Ambassador. He has been a guest on the Educational Duct Tape podcast with Jake Miller, a guest moderator for the #BMEsTalk chat (Black Male Educators) and was recognized by EdTech: Focus on K-12 Magazine as one of their 30 to Follow IT Influencers in 2021. Check him out on Twitter and Instagram @jamesvarlack.

Ann Vega - DIRECTOR - Ann Vega has been an educator for over 35 years. She has taught in Cypress Fairbanks ISD, IDEA Public Schools, and McAllen ISD. She was a technology specialist with Region One ESC where she worked across the valley supporting teachers. She is passionate about technology and how integration should work seamlessly within all subject areas. She is a library advocate and loves how libraries have evolved. Ann is a certified Google trainer and worked to set up Google Apps for Education (now called G-Suite) at IDEA, Region One and McAllen ISD. Ann won the 2013 MVP (Most Valuable Presence) TASL Award from the Texas Library Association the 2017 The SHSU Dr. Bonnie Thorne Outstanding Service Award from Sam Houston State University, the 2021 United Way Campaign Coordinator of the Year, and named one of the 2024 EdTech K-12 IT Influencers to follow in Focus on K-12 magazine. She is currently the Director of Digital Learning and Library Services at McAllen ISD. You can find her on X @annvega.