Kathleen McDermott Brautigam

Kathleen McDermott Brautigam passed away peacefully at her home on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Kathy was a pioneer and nationally recognized leader in educational technology policy and practice. She built a respected career marked by professionalism, dedication, and a remarkable ability to connect with people. She began as a teacher in the Milton School District, where she taught for 18 years, also serving as yearbook advisor and class advisor. She transitioned from middle school and early elementary education to become a Secondary Computer Specialist, co-authoring and publishing two educational books, Apple Logo and Commodore Logo. She later served as Director of Technology for the Danville Area School District, Director of Technology Services for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, and Director of the Bureau of Educational Technology at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In that role she spearheaded the Commonwealth’s largest statewide educational technology data collection effort, establishing benchmarks and guiding evidence-based strategy across Pennsylvania. Her work included supporting interagency federal and state grant initiatives and serving on regional, state, and national policy advisory boards. She received the Outstanding Leadership in Technology Award and testified before state and federal legislative committees on the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s educational technology initiatives.

Deeply committed to her Milton community, Kathy coached AYSO soccer and the Milton Community Swim Team, worked with Children and Youth Services, and served as Chairman of the Board for the Milton Panther Education Foundation for over ten years. She also served on the Board of Directors of Pinpoint Federal Credit Union and was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.). A lifelong learner, she earned a B.S. in Education from The College of New Jersey and an M.S. in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University, later serving as adjunct graduate faculty at Bloomsburg, Duquesne, and Millersville universities. She was passionate about physical movement, exercising with her TRX group and with Rock Steady Boxing participants.

Above all, Kathy was a devoted partner to her husband Brad for 56 years, and a loving sister, mother, and grandmother. She and Brad shared a love of adventure, exploring Europe by road bike, riding with the Williamsport and North Florida Bicycle Clubs, working with horses at the White Stallion Dude Ranch in Tucson, relaxing in Amelia Island and along the Jersey Shore, hosting annual family beach vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey, and dancing their way up and down the South Jersey coast. She was a strong role model for her two children and four grandchildren, leading by example through kindness, resilience, curiosity, and generosity of spirit. Her warmth, bright smile, and grace touched many lives.