Happy 14th week of school!
This last week, I got to celebrate National School Psychology Week by giving a Golden Rave to Stacey Carroll, who is an Administrative Supervisor of Evaluations. It’s the dedication and hard work of staff like her that continues to make our district amazing and focused on supporting each and every student.
On a different note, anyone else excited for Fall break? After this week, I’ll be traveling west to Big Bend with my family, where I will unplug for a few days — or at least that is the plan. We’ll return to Austin in time to run the Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 18
I’ll be starting today with a meeting with the Enroll Austin team. A thank you to all the families who have already completed their forms online during this priority registration period. After the Enroll Austin meeting I will be meeting with my senior staff to discuss anything that happened over the weekend that requires immediate attention. We will also progress the work on district initiatives and Thursday’s budget presentation to the board.
After lunch, I’ll meet with the 2022 Bond Program leads to progress the bond work. After a one-on-one meeting with Board Vice President Kevin Foster, I’ll have a follow-up meeting regarding the Renew America's Schools Grant. The last thing today is a one-on-one meeting with Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Jaime Miller.
Tuesday, November 19
This morning, I’ll be at the Central Austin Public Library, speaking on the panel for the Tools for Success live event. The topic is mental health and school safety. When I return to the office, I have a one-on-one with Trustee Zapata. After that, I have a one-on-one meeting with Board Secretary Trustee Boswell. The rest of the afternoon is reserved for a work session with the assistant superintendents of Teaching, Learning and Leading to progress the work on district initiatives. This evening, I have a meeting with former Austin ISD trustee, and President of Mobility Blueprint, Doyle Valdez.
Wednesday, November 20
Today, I’ill be starting off my morning with our principals. Supporting principals is one of the most important things I do because their success means teacher success, and teacher success means student success. I will first meet with the principals that serve as vertical team leads, and then transition into the general session with all principals. From there, I’ll travel to attend Lead with Love hosted by Trustee Zapata and Austin Voices for Education and Youth. When I return to the office, I’ll have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Lugo. Next, I have a short meeting with a potential partner who will present their solution for increasing master schedule efficiency. This evening, I’ll participate in the Austin Partners in Education board meeting, and after that, attend the Ohtli Awards.
Thursday, November 21
This morning, I’ll be attending an event I look forward to all year long: Travis Early College High School’s Annual Tamalada! When I return to the office, I’ll be conducting a principal interview. After a real estate discussion with Director of Real Estate and Asset Management, Jeremy Striffler and Interim CFO, Katrina Montgomery, I’ll dedicate a couple of hours to preparing for this evening’s board meeting. In the evening, I’ll briefly attend Kealing Middle School’s Campus Advisory Council meeting.
Afterwards, there is a short reception to honor outgoing Trustee Ofelia Zapata. Trustee Zapata has been a community organizer for over 34 years, one of the veteran leaders for Austin Interfaith and a tireless advocate for residents of Dove Springs and East Austin. Before joining the board, she served as the president of Eastside Early College High School PTSA. I’m thankful for her four years of service as an Austin ISD trustee; I know her advocacy work won’t slow down at all! The rest of the evening will be spent at the Board Regular Voting Meeting.
Friday, November 22
I will spend this morning meeting with the assistant superintendents in Teaching, Learning and Leading to progress the important work happening on our campuses. In the afternoon, I’ll wrap up priority items from the week and read through all the contracts that require my signature.
I sincerely hope all our students, staff and families have a restful Fall break. I am so thankful for our Austin ISD community. And, I’m so thankful to get to be in this seat and give my all to support this most meaningful work to educate the almost 73,000 Austin ISD students
Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!
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