Y’all, we made it to the final week of semester one! I want to thank all of our staff, family and community members for the way you’ve supported our students this semester.

Last week, at the Pecan Springs Elementary School groundbreaking ceremony, I got to celebrate 1st grade teacher Nancy Reynolds. She’s taught at Pecan Springs for 28 years! That’s incredible! I was so impressed with how she absolutely exuded love for her students, her colleagues and the Pecan Springs community. I tell people all the time that I love my job, and it’s because I get to lead an organization with dedicated teachers like Ms. Reynolds.

Pecan Springs Elementary Schoo 1st grade teacher Nancy Reynolds holds flowers

When we return from Winter Break, we’ll be in the final month of Priority Registration. Learn more about our offerings at austinisd.org/enroll. Priority enrollment is open now through Feb. 4 to register for your home campus, apply for a transfer or apply for an admissions-based program.

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, December 16

I’ll be starting off the week meeting with district special education staff to update them on the leadership transition plan for the department. This will be the third time I meet with the whole group because I want them to feel supported as I know transition periods are never easy. Afterwards, I have a senior staff meeting, where we will progress the work on district initiatives, big budget ideas for 2025–26 SY and support plans around Results Driven Accountability. In the afternoon, I have a couple of one-on-one meetings, first with Trustee Gonzales and then with Board Vice President Kevin Foster. I’m convening a second meeting with my senior staff this afternoon to review central office vacancies and staffing. In the evening, I have a meeting with a few trustees and Chief of Organizational Transformation, Dr. Stephanie Hawley, to discuss support for our historically underserved student groups.

Tuesday, December 17

This morning, I’ll be at Dobie Middle School to lead a staff listening session. Staff voice is important to me and will inform how I can best support the school community. When I get back to the office, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Hunter. Afterwards, I have an executive coaching session with Sonia Beatty from New Leaders. Next, I have a speaking engagement at the Rotary Club of Austin, where I’ll get to relay our district priorities to local business owners and community leaders. After a one-on-one meeting with Board Secretary Lynn Boswell, I’ll travel to Martin Middle School to meet with their staff. I want to especially connect with them regarding the return of 6th grade students to Martin and how I can support them through this transition. This evening, I’ll return to Dobie Middle School to host a community listening session. There will be dinner served by Austin Voices for Education and Youth ahead of the meeting.

Wednesday, December 18

Similar to yesterday, I’ll start the day with a listening session for the Bedichek Middle School staff and end the day there with a community listening session. Dinner will be served before the community meeting, and I hear there’s a fun winter concert right after.

Following my morning meeting at Bedichek, I will attend the Secondary Principal meeting. This is the final principal meeting of the calendar year for our secondary principals, and the final principal meeting for the beloved principal of Clifton Center, Tony Dishner, who is retiring this month. I’m so thankful for his many years of service in Austin ISD. I’ll head back to the office and attend a quality assurance meeting to ready the next TEA Agreed Order data submission. Afterwards, I have a meeting with Dr. Stephanie Hawley and the district ombudsperson, Beverly Reeves. In the afternoon, I have a principal interview for an elementary campus. The rest of the day I have back to back meetings, first with Chief of Talent Strategy, Brandi Hosack, then with Trustee Lugo, and finally with Chief Operations Officer, Christine Steenport. I also have a 2022 Bond Program Update meeting, to help progress the modernization projects throughout the district.

Thursday, December 19

I’ll be at City Hall this morning meeting with the Austin City Manager, TC Broadnax. I value the time to collaborate with him and maintain a clear line of communication between our two organizations. Afterwards, I will spend some time visiting a couple of schools. When I return to the office, I’ll meet with the Enroll Austin team to progress the work on changes to the Pre-K enrollment system. Then I will transition to a one-on-one meeting with our Chief Technology Officer, Oscar Rodriguez. The rest of the afternoon will be spent with my team to prepare for this evening’s regular voting meeting.

Friday, December 20

Whew! We made it to the last day of the semester! After some time in the office, I’ll head over to Martin Middle School to attend the Eastside Community School Alliance Luncheon hosted by Austin Voices for Education and Youth. The rest of the afternoon will be dedicated work time back at the Central Office, where I’ll meet with various leaders and get our priority items in a good place ahead of the winter break. But before I go off to break, I will attend the December Showcase for Dobie’s Beauty Academy.

I wish all of you a happy holiday season and a happy new year! See you in 2025.

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