I am a retired principal from the Rhodes School for Performing Arts K-8 Charter School in Houston, Texas. I am a servant and transformational leader who believes all students and teachers can grow and be successful. As a scholar, I attended schools (K–12) in the Houston Independent School District. I was that minority, at-risk scholar from a low-income area. However, I had an excellent public school experience.
My favorite story is how my 5th-grade teacher mentored me. I did my student teaching under her as a student at Prairie View A&M University, where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and I became a teacher at the same school with her after graduation. Mrs. Dansby is 90 years old, and we are still friends today.
Throughout my 36 years of tenure in the field of education, I have had a profound impact on numerous scholars, teachers, and parents. Teaching is my gift from God.
I am passionate about student and teacher success. I have observed my first-grade students progress through high school, college, and personal lives. A significant number of those scholars are married and have children. Many of them regard me as a friend and trusted advisor.
I work as a consultant and tutor at an HISD elementary campus. I have the pleasure of planning with and coaching teachers. This endeavor is special to me because three of the teachers are former students from this exact HISD campus. This year, the Texas Education Agency took over the school district, and I have a first-hand opportunity to witness some of the impacts alongside my peers. Considering the contention and controversy surrounding the implementation changes, this topic is timely and essential. More research is needed on the implications of the rapid expansion of school district takeovers, especially when research shows they are disruptive and have not increased student achievement (Schueler & Bleiberg, 2023). This is the rationale of my dissertation concerning the Texas Education Agency's takeover of the Houston ISD to determine if this intervention is to truly improve student achievement or an attempt to undermine the community with ulterior motives.