THE LEGACY OF INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS
I
Doug Williams
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Never have we needed inspiring leaders more than now.
nspiring leaders! These two words were crafted during the design of the TASA Strategic Framework as a tagline to describe what our association is all about. Not only are TASA members inspirational leaders, but the TASA charge is to inspire leaders across Texas as they work to impact the lives of our students. As I began my year as TASA president in June, I reflected on those individuals in my life who have shaped my career and in some way have created the template for the leader I strive to be. Along my journey, three long-time Texas public school superintendents have proven to be of inspiration to me and have influenced my leadership principles. Sidney Wasson became superintendent of Wolfe City ISD shortly after the end of World War II and served in that capacity for the next 39 years. Each school week began with Mr. Wasson selling lunch tickets in the main hall of the high school and ended with him working the back gate at the football field on Friday night. He was involved in every aspect of WCISD, from assemblies to after-school bus duty. The characteristic that I most admired about him was his steadfastness. As an alumnus of Wolfe City High School, I always appreciated his commitment to our district, and the local legend is that he only took one sick day during his entire career at Wolfe City. One of the highlights of my career was the day he spent in Sunnyvale touring our campuses and sharing school stories with me. Elton Caldwell started as superintendent of Brownsboro ISD in 1989 and served there until his retirement in 2012. He hired me to be the high school principal in 2003, and from the start worked with me on expanding my capacity as a school administrator. Mr. Caldwell was unflappable. I can’t remember a time that he allowed any situation to rattle him, and he worked through every dilemma with courage and conviction. And trust me, we had some situations that required addressing during our four years together! He was a master at working with the school board, and I witnessed how his management style created trust between him and the board members. I appreciate how he spent time in developing me for the superintendency and that he insisted I attend the TASA Midwinter and summer conferences. Many current school administrators have been blessed with his guidance over the years. Gwinn Blankenship was superintendent of Sunnyvale ISD from 1970-1994, transforming the district from one on the brink of consolidation to one of the premier K-8 districts in the state. I heard the stories of Mr. B when I became superintendent in Sunnyvale in 2007. He was, and still is, “Mr. Sunnyvale” to so many because of his passion for the district and the students. His legacy was defined in the 1970s when he led efforts to keep Texas’ “non-12” school districts open. These 120 school districts across Texas served students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade only, as was the case with Sunnyvale until 2007. His diplomacy and statesmanship was on display in the Capitol, all the way to a meeting with then-Gov. Dolph Briscoe that helped keep these districts from forced consolidation. I have gotten to know Mr. B during my tenure here and count him as a close friend and an advisor. Over the years, I have aspired to make the same type of impact for SISD as he still does.
President’s Message continues on page 10
SUMMER 2021
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