Superintendent Interview

Superintendent Interview

We interviewed Dr. Thomas, the BISD Superintendent.
Important skill—A good leader is a good teacher. The superintendent is the instructional leader who can assist staff to help teach students in their different learning styles. The Bottom Line is that the district is measured by how successful the students are and how well they learned. Issues, like South Park and Curtis, go by the wayside once the district reached Recognized status.

Most difficult experience—the West Brook bus accident. The girls were good students, athletes, bright and happy. They got on the bus to attend a school sporting event and 2 died and others were injured, some severely. The one bright spot was that a seat belt law was passed in Texas that saved or will save countless lives in the long run.

Greatest Accomplishment—Coming into a contentious district and getting folks to work together for the good of the students. The Board was always divided, the student assignment plans were chaotic, the community was racially divided and TEA had stepped in to run the district. Although 50 people spoke out against his hiring at the Board meeting, he was able to reduce racial tensions, bring more money in the district through Title and Comp. Ed. funding, and create a more unified district in relation to curriculum and instruction. He feels his greatest accomplishment was student assignments across the district.

Vision for the future—to be a leader in education as a data driven district and as the largest predominantly African American in the state. Through organizations like NABSE, raise awareness of the unique challenges that face the AA student, since that population on average scores lower on state tests. Use data to adjust instruction and target professional development to bring about change and increased success for all students.

Extra credit question
5 issues faced in your tenure as Superintendent—
1. Racial tensions-minimizing division.
2. Learning styles and keeping up with demographic changes.
3. Financing-taking advantage of grant opportunities.
4. Performance pay-teachers feel they are part of a team for the betterment of all.
5. Evaluations systems-reassurance to teachers that the focus is not to fire teachers, but give them a chance to grow. Teachers would eliminate themselves if they don’t grow.
6. Focus on the research and the data.