What inspired you to become an educator?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love helping others see the potential in themselves and working collaboratively to find solutions to problems. I am a teacher at heart, and my leadership style is driven from my desire to serve and help others.
What experiences do you think have shaped your approach to improving student outcomes as a superintendent?
I approach every interaction, every conversation, and every situation as an opportunity to learn something new. I have been fortunate to have served in two outstanding school districts on multiple campuses and departments prior to joining NBISD. While each of these experiences was different and unique, one thing always remains the same ... students have and always will be at the center of every decision I make. A strong partnership between parents and teachers is the most effective way to support our students.
My educational career began in Round Rock ISD, and I had the privilege of serving there for 16 years as a high school teacher and campus administrator. My leadership journey continued as a district administrator in Leander ISD for seven years where, prior to serving as chief of staff, I also served as area superintendent and led our College and Career Pathways team, which focused on ensuring programs, courses, and learning opportunities were provided to our students so they could each achieve their post-secondary goals. My leadership has been shaped, refined and enhanced through interactions with passionate educators, supportive parents and collaborative community partners.
What stands out to you about New Braunfels ISD?
The people I have met here are extremely kind and caring. There is a pride in New Braunfels ISD that doesn’t exist in other communities. Pride in the history and heritage, pride in the traditions, and pride in our schools. There is a very strong sense of community in NBISD that I am certain will continue to unite us even as we continue to grow. We are “Stronger Together.”
What are some of your top goals for the district?
I want every student to feel safe, supported and encouraged to learn and grow in NBISD so they can pursue their passions and dreams when they graduate. I want our teachers and staff members to feel empowered to create these engaging and supportive learning environments.
And I want parents to be actively involved in their child’s education and to partner with NBISD to support every learner in our system. A strong public education system built upon partnerships between parents, community and staff members is key to our success.
I intend to honor the work that has already begun here and remain focused on the four priority areas: student success, high-performing staff, strong partnerships and efficient district operations.
By utilizing a continuous improvement mindset, we can identify areas where we are currently outperforming our peers as well as the areas where we can continue to grow as a district. The district’s strategic plan and scorecard clearly outline our focus areas and provide a framework within which we can continue to grow. I foresee opportunities to create systems that encourage and support leadership development, to design learning experiences that ensure student ownership of their learning, and to provide opportunities to engage our community in our schools.
Where do you want to see the district in the next five years?
NBISD has a long legacy of success, and we are a destination district for many families. I want other school districts to view us as their model, to come here, to learn from us and aspire to be us. I want us to be known as a district who lives out their core beliefs every day. We are “Rooted in History, building a legacy, and growing toward the future.” Staying true to our core beliefs, focusing on our students and staff, and planning for the future is how we will achieve these goals.
What are the biggest challenges New Braunfels ISD is currently facing?
Challenges are opportunities to come together, unite in our beliefs and grow toward the future. As a fast growth district, we will continue to welcome new families into NBISD, build new schools and plan for a bright future together. It is my goal that we never lose sight of who we are even as we continue to grow. Our vision of “Every Student. Every Day.” needs to remain at the center of our discussions and decision-making. We can grow and still be rooted in our core beliefs. We are one NBISD.
What are your main goals for New Braunfels ISD heading into the 2023-24 school year?
I am excited to spend time in our classrooms where I can meet our students and teachers and see firsthand the learning that occurs every day in every classroom. I look forward to meeting parents and community members, and hearing how we can continue to partner together to support our students. I also want to acknowledge our board of trustees and thank them for their leadership and service to NBISD. Our trustees care about our school district, and I am honored to be able to serve alongside them.
We have many construction projects that will be completed this summer and others that will continue throughout the 2023-2024 school year (and beyond). While these projects may cause some temporary inconveniences for everyone, we ask for your grace and patience throughout construction because we know the end results will be worth it for our students. Our community has always supported our school district, and these bond-funded projects are evidence of that ongoing support.
We are eagerly anticipating the opening of our second comprehensive high school, Long Creek HS, in August 2024, and you will see and hear more about LCHS as the 2023-2024 year progresses.
Thank you so much to our entire NBISD community for your support of our schools! It’s going to be a great school year!
