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A word from the editor about Bragging Rights 2010-2011
As we reviewed the nominations for the Fourth Annual Bragging Rights 2010-2011 special issue (there were almost 60 of them), I couldn’t help but think: Why aren’t ALL of these stories making headlines with media outlets across the state? There are so many entrepreneurial, forward-thinking leaders in Texas public schools, and they’re bringing promise and opportunity to our children every day. It was difficult to select only 12 districts to highlight in our special issue, but we feel these winning strategies and programs have great potential for replication in districts statewide. We hope this issue, packed with best practices, will spark conversation and action in your administrative and teaching circles. I think what struck me most about the stories we covered this year is the shared mindset of the leaders and teachers we interviewed. All of them approach their jobs in public education with a heightened sense of responsibility for the whole child — not just for the test scores or grade point averages. Take Bill Tarleton, for example. As the superintendent of rural Abbott ISD, he set and achieved the goal of having 100 percent of staff and faculty trained in first aid and CPR. He told our reporter: “As superintendent, I feel ultimately responsible for not only student achievement, but for staff and student welfare.” And then there’s John Olmstead of South San Antonio High School, where more than 90 percent of the student population is considered at risk and most students have never crossed the city limits. Olmstead created a student-run travel club, which offers field trips and overnight excursions throughout the school year to historically and culturally significant destinations. Of club membership prerequisites, Olmstead says: “I don’t set limits on GPA because I don’t want to discourage a student who may need some inspiration to become a better student. If I can change one student’s attitude about the value of education, then I have been successful.” These are the winning attitudes about which we at Texas School Business love to brag. Please join us in doing so by clicking the link in the top left (next to my picture!) to download this year's issue of Bragging Rights and then share the link with other stakeholders in public education. We want as many people as possible to know what an amazing job all of you are doing. To all those who nominated programs this year, thank you for sharing your inspiring stories with us. And to the districts that are featured within these pages, congratulations on your achievements. You certainly do have Bragging Rights! Feedback? Story ideas? Send them to me at katie@texasschoolbusiness.com.
Katie Ford, Editor |
