The transformative power of personal relationship highlighted the message during a gathering Tuesday with local church leaders and Killeen ISD Superintendent King Davis.
With district Community Relations Director Angenet Wilkerson facilitating, about 35 ministers introduced themselves before Davis introduced himself.
For about 30 minutes, the superintendent used slides to provide demographic and academic snapshot of the school district.
Identifying himself as a person of faith, Davis also shared some of his background, naming a specific public-school teacher and coach he credits with helping to radically alter his own professional and personal trajectory.
“He held me accountable,” he said of his own early mentor. “It was tough love. I knew it was coming from a place of love and care.”
At the conclusion of the planned presentation, the superintendent fielded several questions, prompting discussion of the shared needs of schools and churches to serve students and families from taking advantage of tutoring to adopting schools to sharing with churchgoers the challenges of today’s culture.
Davis addressed topics based on four board-approved district priorities: student success, human capital, financial stewardship and safety and security.
Much of that content centered on current efforts to optimize learning and respond to academic failure on specific campuses, including the planned closure of three schools after this school year.
Recent and projected enrollment decline, the challenge to hire enough certified staff members and the state’s new school voucher plan all contribute to challenges in operating the 50-school, 41,000-student district, he explained.
Among the demographics, he pointed out KISD has the highest percentage of special education enrollment in Texas among 1,200 school districts.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for students after high school, such as earning certifications and licenses to go directly into employment.
Even with the loss of federal impact aid and state funds connected to enrollment, Davis said he is optimistic, convinced KISD’s challenges have solutions and those will come with continued effort.
“We have some awesome things happening in KISD,” said Davis, noting that 80 percent of KISD’s enrollment have never received an office referral. “Most of our children come to school and do the right thing.”
“I’m excited. It’s not a fear. I’m on assignment. I believe with every problem there is a solution. We are working diligently. We have a long road, but we will get there.”
“A school system is a microcosm of the community at large,” he said. “What you see in the school system, that’s an extension of what is happening in the community.”
As community leaders, the superintendent urged pastors to support teachers and other staff members and pour into people in need in their congregations, including school-age children and youth.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720331821616