Associate Superintendent Interview
Troy McCarley
Pasadena ISD
A Superintendent of today must quickly utilize a vast educational and organizational knowledge in many different ways daily to ensure the success of the school district and students. Mr. McCarley addresses his personal feelings and views related to his position as Associate Superintendent of Pasadena Independent School District. The main themes that emerge from the interview are vision of the district as it relates to student success, public and community relations, and current financial implications. All of these themes are critical to the success of the superintendent, district, schools, and students.
A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, and implementation of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the district stakeholders stated Mr. McCarley. He explains that he uses any medium available to share the vision of Pasadena ISD. The vision is shared in the written form at the beginning of every school board agenda book, continually shared with faculty, staff and students at various meetings, as well as shared with any community group Mr. McCarley has the privilege to speak with regarding Pasadena ISD. Specifically, effective leaders create districts and schools that have a continuous focus on student success of every child while continually promoting a vision and mission that are purposely focused on the success of every student no matter the obstacles. Mr. McCarley states that he encourages celebrations related to students that are successful; however, he immediately turns the table and asks about the students that are not successful. He challenges the district and campus leadership team to ensure the success of all students. The vision of a school district must be continually communicated, changed when needed, but ultimately promote the success of all students!
Meeting the needs of all student groups is discussed by Mr. McCarley throughout the interview. Mr. McCarley focused on meeting the educational, emotional and other needs a child may have. As the Associate Superintendent, he creates a family of support, interventions, and assistance that will ensure success. “Leadership means focusing on and meeting the needs of those we server,” stated McCarley. All students must feel important and know someone cares for them. If this is accomplished then success will be inevitable.
Community and public relations related to the position of Associate Superintendent is vital in the positive image people possess regarding the school district and its overall success in providing a quality education to all students. Mr. McCarley states that an Associate Superintendent must determine quickly who his customers and stakeholders are in order to create a successful relationship with the district and himself. The position if one of public image therefore, “one way to build community and board support would be to accentuate the positive.” Mr. McCarley articulates that when asked to speak, attend or visit a community event or meeting he rarely turns down an invitation due to the fact that not attending would imply the community organizations or group is not important. Every group, club, or community organization is important to the Superintendent and his ability to communicate the success of the students within the district. Relationships are vital and he must be seen as a caring individual who has the best interest in mind for all students and the school district.
In regard to the financial difficulties school districts face in today’s world, Mr. McCarley states that he addresses the financial difficulties of his district with honesty and with the students in mind. He continually communicates the facts regarding budget to his staff, students, parents and community. In this difficult economic time, a school district must look at ways to reduce cost by eliminating staff, consolidating schools, and eliminating programs. Mr. McCarley states that all decisions related to budget are student centered and not adult centered. Therefore, some decisions that he makes are not approved by his staff and community, but are based on what is best for students. McCarley continually comments that honesty works best in helping others understand, believe and see the reason for the decision. Educating the students in the curriculum and educating the staff, parents and community on the reality of the financial state of the district will promote a better educational and political environment.
