Most government websites are hard to use. They're slow, confusing, and often missing something essential.
Now think about trying to apply for school funding on one of them.
That’s what many parents in Arkansas were dealing with—until George Peter stepped in.
George designed and built the EFAS and LEARNS platforms for the Arkansas Department of Education. These systems help families navigate public education funding programs with far less stress. His work has already impacted thousands of households across the state.
But George didn’t set out to redesign government systems. His story begins in rural India, long before his code powered anything in a state office. It’s a path shaped by curiosity, steady progress, and a habit of solving problems without making a fuss.
Ahead, a closer look at how a quiet, steady developer built tools that actually work and why that matters.
From Kerala to Computer Science
George grew up in Kerala, a southern state in India known for its coastal towns, rice paddies, and close-knit communities. His early years were filled with simple routines—helping on the family farm, spending time outdoors, and attending local schools.
He wasn’t especially focused on academics until a turning point in 1992: a three-month computer course that introduced him to the fundamentals of programming. Learning C, COBOL, and Pascal opened a new world. Computers made sense to him in a way few other subjects had.
That early interest led him to pursue formal education in tech. George earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Bangalore University in 1997, followed by a Master’s in Computer Applications from Bharathidasan University in 2001.
By then, the software industry was growing fast, and he was ready to jump in.
Gaining Experience with Global Tech Firms
George got his start working with companies like Oracle, VISA, and CSC, where he built systems used by millions. These roles gave him hands-on experience with large, complex platforms across industries like finance, customer service, and enterprise tools.
He learned how to collaborate with international teams, build scalable backend systems, prioritize data accuracy and security, and work within agile development frameworks.
These experiences showed him that good software isn’t just about clean code. It’s about solving the right problem in a way that fits people’s real needs.
Moving into Public-Sector Technology
In 2012, George joined Openwave Computing LLC and began consulting with the Arkansas Department of Education’s Office of Information Technology.
At first, he contributed to several state-run systems—tools used by school districts to manage data, track students, and generate reports. But over time, he became one of the department’s key developers, helping modernize how Arkansas managed education technology.
His work on the statewide Student Information System (SIS) made daily processes more reliable for schools across the state. These systems are critical, and keeping them updated meant fewer issues for administrators, educators, and students alike.
Then came his biggest challenge yet: turning a major education reform law into real, working software.
The LEARNS Act: A New Policy, A New System
In 2023, Arkansas passed the LEARNS Act, which gave eligible families access to public funds to send their children to private schools. But the policy required infrastructure—something the state didn’t yet have.
The Department of Education needed a system that could:
- Accept and process thousands of applications
- Track approvals, documentation, and funding
- Keep families, schools, and officials informed
- Connect with internal reporting tools for transparency
George led the design and development of the Education Freedom Account System (EFAS). He used ASP.NET Core with Razor Pages to build both the EFAS application portal and the LEARNS public website. He also developed a content management system (CMS) that allowed state staff and partners to publish updates, manage documents, and securely collaborate.
Key features of the EFAS system include:
- A wizard-style application form to guide parents step-by-step
- Role-based access controls for different user types
- A document upload system with verification tools
- Real-time notifications and application tracking
- A reporting engine for audits and legislative review
The CMS added even more depth. George built a workflow engine that let the Governor’s office, ADE staff, and external content reviewers work together to publish accurate, timely updates. From executive orders to press releases, everything could be reviewed and approved securely.
Prioritizing Accessibility and Real Use
A major goal for George was to make the platform usable by everyone—not just tech-savvy parents.
He focused on:
- Clear, non-technical language
- Built-in help messages
- Mobile-friendly design
- Fewer steps and less paperwork
This attention to usability meant that most families didn’t need support to apply. That reduced application errors and opened the door for wider participation across the state.
A Developer Who Still Loves the Code
Even with decades of experience, George still codes. He leads projects, but also stays involved in the details—writing logic, testing new features, and improving performance.
His skills span:
- .NET Framework and .NET Core
- WCF services (REST and SOAP)
- SQL Server (including complex queries and stored procedures)
- MVC architecture and Razor Pages
- System migrations and app modernization
He also works on improving security, speeding up systems, and making sure everything works well at scale. His approach is simple: build it to last, and make sure it works before it ships.
“Even after all these years,” he says, “I still enjoy writing code. There’s something satisfying about solving problems in a clean, structured way.”
What’s Ahead: Smarter Tools for Better Education
George believes technology in education should reduce complexity, not add to it. Looking ahead, he sees potential in:
- Adaptive learning tools that adjust to student needs
- Automation for repetitive admin work
- Real-time dashboards for schools and families
- Privacy-focused platforms that stay secure
He also hopes to mentor younger developers—especially those entering public-sector tech—so they can learn how to build with both people and policy in mind.
A Grounded Life Outside the Screen
When he’s not building software, George enjoys a slower pace. He spends time in nature, cooks traditional meals, and watches movies with his family. He’s also raising two kids—both naturally curious, like he was.
He draws inspiration from people who blended knowledge with service: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, and others who led with ideas rather than attention.
That outlook shapes how he works. Quiet, focused, and consistent.
Lasting Impact, Quietly Delivered
George Peter didn’t rebuild Arkansas’s education systems to stand out. He did it because it needed doing—and he had the skills to make it happen.
From a small computer lab in Kerala to one of the most widely used public platforms in Arkansas education, George’s story is about showing up, staying curious, and solving problems one line of code at a time.
Sometimes, real change comes from quiet consistency, not headlines.
About the Author
George Peter is a senior consultant and software engineer with over 20 years of experience in enterprise application development. Specializing in C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server, and Agile methodologies, he has led key projects in finance, CRM, education, and payments.
