Indy Standard

Shane Conner, president and CEO of Advanced Technologies in Electrical and Communications, Inc. (ATEC), is leading efforts to modernize Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) as part of the district’s $410 million 2023 Capital Referendum. The initiative aims to improve school buildings across the district.

ATEC, based in Lebanon and operating in the Indianapolis area, provides electrical and communication contracting along with construction and engineering solutions. The company is among several XBE-certified firms—businesses owned by women, veterans, minorities, or people from disadvantaged backgrounds—partnering with IPS on these upgrades.

Currently, ATEC is working at Broad Ripple Middle School to integrate new technology into classrooms. “As an MBE/VBE/DBE-certified firm, we are proud to represent diverse businesses and advocate for inclusive opportunities within IPS,” Conner said. “My family was among the first Hispanic families to attend IPS, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for the district to support diversity and equity in its partnerships.”

Conner attended Ernie Pyle School 90 as a child. Now he contributes professionally through projects that impact schools similar to those he once attended. “As a proud alumnus of Indianapolis Public Schools, I can confidently say that IPS played a foundational role in shaping both my personal and professional journey,” Conner said. “Being part of IPS’s Rebuilding Stronger initiative and witnessing the integration of modern technology into classrooms is a full-circle moment. It’s a testament to how far the district has come and how committed it is to preparing students for the future.”

He shared memories from his time at Ernie Pyle School 90: “My time at Ernie Pyle School 90 is filled with vivid memories — from making homemade butter in kindergarten to the inspiring teachers who guided me along the way,” Conner said. “These experiences were more than just moments; they were the building blocks of my character and ambition.”

A third-grade teacher named Mrs. Black had a significant influence on him: “Her unwavering standards and commitment to excellence instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and accountability — traits that have served me well throughout my life,” he said.

Conner credits encouragement from teachers who noticed his math skills as inspiration for pursuing electrical contracting as a career path before founding his own company. He also cited his mother—a fellow IPS graduate—as an ongoing role model: “Inspired by my mother, I wanted to create a business that helps others, just as our community and the IPS school corporation enabled her as a single mother of three children,” Conner said.

ATEC’s current work covers multiple IPS sites including Broad Ripple Middle School, Eleanor Skillen School 34, Arlington Middle School, Arsenal Tech High School, Carl Wilde School 79, and George Washington High School.

At Broad Ripple Middle School specifically, ATEC crews are replacing all electrical switchgear and panels while upgrading lighting systems throughout the building for safer infrastructure supporting classroom needs today.

In other schools across IPS, ATEC has upgraded lighting systems with energy-efficient LEDs, improved fire alarm systems for safety compliance standards (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/fire-statistics/school-fires), supported HVAC enhancements for better heating/cooling efficiency (https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/hvac-upgrades-schools-improve-air-quality-and-efficiency), all aimed at creating dependable power supplies suited for contemporary educational environments.

Reflecting on his experience with IPS preparing him for leadership roles today Conner advised: “My advice for current and future IPS students: Find what you love, pursue it with passion, and never stop learning. Hard work truly equals success.”