This week was focused on planning, partnerships, and preparation for 2026-2027.
Monday included visits to summer workouts, where it is already clear that students are growing and relationships with coaches are strengthening. I also met with Judge Dan Hicks, Parks & Recreation, Coach Gonzales, and our Maintenance & Operations team regarding our ongoing partnership and MOU. The day continued with the launch of the Texas Association of School Administrators First-Time Superintendent Academy and an MTSS planning meeting as we prepare to support students academically and behaviorally next year with Region 14 Education Service Center.
Tuesday began at boys basketball and girls softball camps. Great turnout and energy from our students; shoutout to Coach Matus and Coach Cummings. I also visited Summer Learning and checked in on our Maintenance & Operations team as they continue deep cleaning campuses across the district. Additional meetings included the Junior High campus budget planning, the Scurry County Ministerial Alliance ribbon cutting, countywide emergency management planning for football season and Snyder Independent School District safety initiatives, and Summer with the Superintendent. This year’s book club selections are The Hunger Games and The Wild Robot, and students are already sharing photos of their summer reading.
Wednesday was filled with end-of-year cabinet appraisals and the Intermediate budget planning meeting with Mrs. Wilson, our new Intermediate Principal, who was in the middle of unpacking in their new Snyder home.
Thursday included a school finance training, a Snyder Education Foundation meeting to prepare for fundraisers next year (which means teacher grants!), our last principal meeting of the year that included reflections and leadership goal-setting. Ended the evening with the High School for budget planning.
We had budget planning meetings with 3 of our campuses this week, and hard conversations are happening around, “Is this a want or a need?” Our goal is to keep the cuts as far away from students as possible while being fiscally responsible, supporting teachers, and being mindful of the ongoing facility needs.
Friday, I joined Board President (Mr. Ramon) and Vice President (Mrs. Leatherwood) in Fort Worth to present at the Texas Association of School Boards Summer Leadership Institute on “When Boardrooms Work, Classrooms Win.”
One final parent note: I took my kids to see Toy Story 5 this weekend and highly recommend it. The message about balancing technology and play is powerful and timely.
Parents, what are your thoughts on finding the right balance between technology and paper-and-pencil learning?