Superintendent's Report
TISD staff get the job done

I don't know if any of my co-workers ever played baseball but they sure seem to have some of the special qualities as Leo Durocher used when describing his former second baseman, Eddie Stankey. Durocher said that "Stankey can't run, can't hit, can't field, and can't throw. All he can do is beat you."

Today, I have the honor of serving with a multitude of educators that remind me of Stankey. They are not flashy, brash or grandiose in their styles; they simply get the job done day in and day out. In all of Smith County there are two "Recognized" districts. Of those "Recognized" districts, there is only one with the distinction of having all of its schools labeled as "Recognized" by the Texas Education Association. That school district is the Troup Independent School District.

It sounds prestigious doesn't it? Well, I'm here to assure you that getting to such an honorary place was anything but easy.

In many ways my staff also reminds me of the famed Billy Graham. Other ministers told funnier jokes. Even Mike Cline tells funnier jokes. Others do a better job of illustrating Bible passages and organizing their sermons, but no one is more effective than Graham in making an altar call, getting people to step forward in front of the congregation and make a commitment. Translated from evangelism to business, it is what is called "closing the sale."

At TISD, prestige is far down the list of priorities. Our men and women work hard everyday to build relationships with your children. Without a positive relationship between the teacher and student, it is next to impossible to teach or learn. Our staff has earned a wonderful reputation of helping kids get the most out of their educational opportunities. They work, fret, worry, sweat, live and die with our -- your -- kids.

They have gained a reputation as "go to" people. That is, if you want something done and done right, then you go to these folks. For those that think one can simply show up and a sweepstakes band, winning team, advancing play or a "Recognized" school just happens, well a reality check is definitely in order.

I'm so very proud of my colleagues. They have established their positive reputations through hard work and sacrifice. They know that their reputation is one of their greatest assets. Everything flows from it.

As far as earning the reputation of being a winner, our folks know that as Harvey Mackay once wrote, "You can earn it only by earning it." It is as if they studied under Grant Tinker, the former NBC CEO. Tinker held the belief that "first you must be best and then you would be first."

Recently, I was referred to as "just a hired hand." Well, I guess that's true enough. But, I have to say that today I'm the happiest hired hand on this ranch. Today, I have the privilege of serving with the best set of hired hands in the business.

I want to invite you to come by and witness the wonderful things the folks at TISD are doing with your children. I am confident you will find it to be a rewarding experience. And, remember you are always welcome at Troup ISD.