At last night’s board meeting, I was privileged to be part of a large audience honoring SMCISD’s teachers of the year. Teachers are selected by their peers for the honor, so it is particularly meaningful. Each teacher receives a plaque, a gift bag, and a check from the San Marcos Education Foundation—an important group of community leaders who volunteer their time in order to support our public schools.

In the course of my professional career I have been on numerous hiring committees. I’ve evaluated hundreds of resumes and hired dozens of people. Just this week, I was advising a couple of soon-to-be Texas State graduates on their forthcoming job searches. In addition to stressing the importance of a great cover letter, I said they need to make sure their personal references are solid.

I know that personal references are critical to the hiring process. That is why I was particularly glad to see the board unanimously approve the administration’s recommendation to place Amber Owens and Richard Duvall as principals at Hernandez and Miller at last night’s board meeting.

As I’ve toured each of our campuses over the last few weeks, I’ve had a chance to see a number of our district leaders in action. In the last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both Owens and Duvall, and I believe they are both strong, sound choices who will continue to work hard and do great things for our kids. This is not just my impression. From parents, to teachers, to other administrators across the district, I have heard only the very best things about both of our new principals.

I value the good words of my fellow parents, our teachers, and community members invested in the well-being of our district. I’m particularly proud that my very grassroots campaign has received the endorsement and support of a broad base of people, including friends who also have children in the district, parents of children who play baseball and softball with my children, teachers, ministers, retirees, local business owners, professors, university employees, musicians, as well as former colleagues.

–Anne