Happy seventh week of the spring semester!
Last week, I spent time with 119 amazing teachers at the 2025 Teacher of the Year Breakfast (Thank you, Austin Ed Fund, for sponsoring it!). I can’t tell you how inspired I was after hearing these educators’ stories and seeing their heart and dedication to our students. I feel so lucky to get to lead this organization and support their work. Also, crazy amazing fact—20% of the Teachers of the Year are Austin ISD graduates! Let’s go!!!
Another huge highlight from last week was the opportunity to talk to our students during Career Day at Odom Elementary School. I was blown away by their endless curiosity and level of understanding. It confirmed for me that it’s never too soon to talk to our students about college, careers, the military, and life—they’re ready for it!
Graduation is around the corner, and we want to celebrate seniors in the months to come. Submit your success stories here. You may be highlighted during the superintendent graduation speech, trustee graduation speech, in a video vignette for social media, or on the Austin ISD website.
Monday, February 17
As a reminder, today is a student holiday, and our elementary schools will hold parent-teacher conferences. I’ll start the morning at the elementary counselors’ meeting. Afterward, I have a senior staff meeting, where we’ll progress the work around budget reductions and discuss legislative updates and other priorities. I have a few one-on-one meetings in the afternoon - first with Katrina Montgomery, Interim CFO, then with Trustee Arati Singh, and finally with Chief Sneed. This will be followed by a meeting with the assistant superintendents of Teaching, Learning and Leading and Special Education executive directors.
Tuesday, February 18
I’ll start the day by visiting a few different campuses. I’ll end my campus visits at Covington Middle School to attend the Youth Art Month Billboard Signing and celebrate Covington student Lilliana H., for being chosen as the 2025 Billboard winner. Afterward, I’ll travel to City Hall to meet with City Manager TC Broadnax. I’m so thankful for his collaborative spirit and willingness to problem-solve issues together. This will be followed by a lunch meeting with Anthony Gonzales, Managing Principal at Spire Consulting Group, LLC. This will be followed by a meeting with Matt Strazza, CEO of Frontline Education, to ensure we’re aligned in implementing our newly procured Special Education/504 data management software. Afterwards, I’ll travel to Hart Elementary School to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area and Andy Roddick Foundation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Wednesday, February 19
The first thing today is a meeting with vertical team lead principals, followed by the monthly principals’ meeting. This is an important time for me to keep our principals informed, answer their questions, and receive feedback. Afterward, I have a one-on-one meeting with La Kesha Drinks, Interim Chief of Staff, followed by an Austin Ed Fund Inspire the Future Luncheon Committee Meeting, and then a one-on-one meeting with Sundal Ali, Director of Organizational Transformation. The last thing for me today is a meeting with Gibson Consulting Group, who will interview me as a part of their Student Information System / Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) audit process. This audit will help us to see opportunities for growth in our PEIMS coding process.
Thursday, February 20
My senior staff and I will participate in a New Leaders’ leadership development session this morning. In the afternoon, I’ll meet with some community leaders to progress the work around African American student achievement. This will be followed by a Special Board Meeting to hear grievances. This evening, I will attend a meeting with legislators to discuss Austin ISD’s legislative priorities.
Friday, February 21
I’ll be out of the office today, traveling to Big Bend with some good friends for the weekend. I hope the weather cooperates! While on the road, I’ll log onto an online governance meeting with our board officers.
Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!
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