New Member Spotlight

Kyalla Bowens currently serves as the Director of Talent Acquisition with Crandall Independent School District. She began her career as an elementary teacher in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Ms. Bowens moved to the Dallas area, where she served as a teacher with Duncanville Independent School District. She transitioned to leadership roles serving as an Instructional Specialist, Elementary Assistant Principal, and Principal. Ms. Bowens joined Crandall High School as an Assistant Principal, where she developed her knowledge further with secondary experience.

While in college, Kyalla served in recruitment roles and worked assisting graduating students with their certification process. Recruitment and supporting others in their growth is Ms. Bowens’ passion. As Director of Talent Acquisition, she works collectively with her Human Capital team to recruit and retain employees to ensure the best people are in place for students.

Ms. Bowens earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University. This is her 26th year in education.

WHAT SIZE IS YOUR DISTRICT?

Crandall ISD is a fast-growing district in the state of Texas. We are a 5A district with approximately 800 employees serving over 6,000 students. This school year, we opened a Freshman Center, which replaced our previous middle school, and a new state-of-the-art middle school. We will open our sixth elementary school in August 2023.

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING IN YOUR DISTRICT?

Crandall ISD is a small town with big growth. Employees have many choices with competitive paying districts and surrounding districts offering four-day work weeks. Crandall ISD focuses on providing quality employee experiences, from the hiring process to employee growth opportunities. We believe that all employees should feel valued and supported.

As a District of Innovation, we offer the opportunity for individuals holding a Bachelor’s degree outside of education and are enrolled in an alternative certification program to teach in a specified area. These individuals have a designated timeframe according to district guidelines to obtain their certification. Our Human Capital team offers and provides test supports to assist these teachers in successfully completing their certifications. It is a challenge at times to retain these teachers that may be shining in the area of teaching, but having difficulty securing their certification.

HOW YOU FELT THE WINTER CONFERENCE BENEFITED YOU?

It was an absolute pleasure to present and attend the TASPA 2022 Winter Conference. I enjoyed making new connections and gaining knowledge from the variety of sessions that were offered.

I have met many members thus far in our TASPA community. It is exciting and reassuring to know there is a wealth of experience and resources available to ask questions and gain insights from other HR professionals.