Superintendent interview - Dr. Ray Lea

My interview with our Superintendent of Azle ISD, Dr. Ray Lea went very well. We had a little trouble coordinating a time to meet due to end of the school year activities such as retirement receptions, graduation, etc. Even though I have worked with and spent time with Dr. Lea the past 2 ½ years I found our conversation to be very informative and beneficial.

1. Question #1 – Leadership. At first he was going to give a “textbook” definition for leadership but after giving some thought he provided the following – the ability to inspire and encourage others to do more than they would normally do.  In thinking about this response I found it to be very true.
2. Question #2 – Positive leadership aspects of Superintendent. He responded that the most positive aspect of being a superintendent is the unique experience to make a difference for the largest amount of students. He explained that as a campus principal you make an impact on students at your campus, a teacher in the classroom; but as superintendent you are able to impact all students.
3. Question #3 – Negative or difficult aspects. Dr. Lea explained he experiences all the negatives and stress of the district. With a district our size (4A), there is often problems which include people disagreeing. As a superintendent he has to be involved in resolutions of conflict and assist in managing all the district problems.
4. Question #4- Attributes. A good communicator, teacher, good listener, ethical. Able to seek permission. Dr. Lea described being able to seek permission facilitates successful change. For change to be successful he must get permission and support from board, principals, teachers, students and community leaders. All groups must agree in order for effective change to happen.  I myself found this response to be very interesting and truthful. I had never really thought of this attribute of “seek permission” as he described it. One last thought he left me was that as a Superintendent you can only do as much as the board will allow.
5. Question #12 – Management of everything from budget to technology applications. He pointed out that the current Texas Legislative section has given a unique opportunity/challenge to look at having to cut out several million dollars from district budget. He explained that most school district budgets are 80-85% personnel. The challenge has been looking at cutting personnel (for our district attrition) and evaluating programs, purchases, etc. Possibly looking at alternative ways of funding, example grants. I found the last part of our conversation to be very enlightening. He explained as a superintendent you do not necessarily have to be an “expert” in all areas but that he feels it is necessary to have a “understanding” of everything and be the “expert” of knowing how they all come together and work together. He used our district as an example; even though we have a business manager, curriculum director and human resource director he must have knowledge of what is going on in each area.

Again, I really enjoyed the interview process. Dr. Lea remarked that the interview questions where good ones. Not only did the interview help me reflect and hear his responses to the 10 Competencies it also allowed me to learn more personally about our superintendent.