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February 2010
Born and raised in Central Illinois, Layne followed his childhood dream of being an architect all the way to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne, where he received a bachelor of science degree in architectural studies in 1982. The youngest of nine siblings, Layne's brothers and sisters were scattered all over the country by the time he graduated. On a whim, he followed a brother to Texas to start a career in architecture; however, Layne quickly met some unexpected challenges. "The economy wasn't good at that time," he says. "It was difficult to find a job in architecture; firms just weren't hiring." Eventually, he found a job as an architectural draftsman for Katy ISD. He started out working with the consulting architect to design additions and renovations for existing schools in the district, located 30 miles west of Houston. Little did Layne realize, that this job would kick off a rewarding career in public education. When, within two years, Katy ISD implemented an in-house construction program, Layne's role was expanded from assisting the consulting architect to working closely with the entire planning department on larger-scale projects. Collaborating with the assistant superintendent for planning, the consulting architect and the construction manager, Layne developed design criteria and goals for new and existing buildings in Katy ISD. Just three years into his work with Katy ISD, Layne was put in charge of the newly installed, computerized energy management system and all of the district's telecommunications operations. With that responsibility, his title changed to energy management/telecommunications specialist and Layne's career path veered in a new direction. With his technical know-how, a gift for learning things quickly and a constant eye on the big picture, Layne headed to Midland ISD in West Texas in 1988 to assume the position of energy manager. The following year, he was promoted to director of school plant services, adding maintenance and grounds duties to his repertoire of experience. In 1991, he moved on to Irving ISD to take on bigger challenges. Since 2006, he has served as the district's assistant superintendent of support services. In this role, Layne has worked tirelessly to ensure that every school's immediate maintenance and safety needs are met, as well as their long-range needs — from replacing carpet and mechanical systems to interior and exterior painting. Always with an eye on the future, Layne also has served as district liaison for the 1997, 2001 and 2007 bond referendums — all of which were successful. "There are people who maintain and people who build. I'm a builder," Layne says. "I want to keep moving forward. I want my people to be progressive and forward-thinking." Layne has found a good match in his current employer. "Irving ISD is constantly looking for new ways to grow and to make a difference. The community is very supportive of this too," he says. "I could have the greatest ideas in the world, but without the support of the district and the parents, I wouldn't accomplish anything." Layne is active in numerous organizations, including the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), the Association of School Business Officials, the North Texas Maintenance and Operations Association, the Association of Energy Engineers and the Council of Educational Facility Planners International. In 2003, TASBO honored him with its first-ever Above and Beyond Award, which it now bestows annually to TASBO members who demonstrate service in their districts and communities that extends beyond their job responsibilities. Staying true to his forward-thinking nature, Layne's next big undertaking is to spearhead an initiative to build the first net-zero energy school in Texas — in Irving ISD. Only a handful in the country, net-zero schools incorporate new and emerging technologies to produce as much renewable energy as it will use over the course of a year. The schools utilize solar panels, windmill turbines, rainwater collection, daylight harvesting, and geothermal heating and cooling systems to produce energy for daily operations. The schools themselves become the ultimate teaching tool for kids learning about the environment and alternative energies. 'There are people who maintain and people who build. I’m a builder. I want to keep moving forward. I want my people to be progressive and forward-thinking.'"Nonrenewable energy and our dependence on foreign oil are serious issues that our children will have to face," says Layne. "Fifth graders already know what has to be done. They know more than we adults do sometimes. We would be doing them a disservice by not making ourselves an example. We have the opportunity to tie the school itself into the curriculum. "[A net-zero energy school] would be great for the district, but it would be great for the state of Texas too," he says. Layne, 50, says he derives great satisfaction from knowing his work makes a positive difference in the lives of Irving ISD's schoolchildren. "Working for a school district, everything we do is for the children — to make their lives better and to give them a better chance at a successful future," Layne says. "Everything ties back to the education of these kids, and no matter what job you're doing, you are constantly reminded that that is the goal." After nearly 20 years in educational services, Layne seems to be exactly where he's meant to be. "Maybe it's because I'm getting old or because I have my own kids now, but I see how important it is to do what you can to help the next generation," he says. "When I get home from work every night, I ask myself, 'What did I do today to make a difference?' With this job, every day I can say that something I did will impact a kid." When asked what the secret of his success is, Layne keeps it simple. "My philosophy is to work hard. Work really hard. Be patient and be positive, and good things are going to happen,"he says. WHITNEY ANGSTADT is a freelance writer in Austin. |
If, when he was a child, you had asked Irving ISD Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Scott Layne where he would live and work as a grown-up, he most likely wouldn't have thought about Texas — or a career in education, for that matter.