24 Oct 2007
Event was sponsored by Capital One Bank
DALLAS—Someone new greeted students and made the morning announcements on Thursday, Oct. 18. More than 100 local leaders visited schools in the Dallas Independent School District in this year's Principal for a Day program presented by Capital One Bank.
Through this Partners in Education project, the district invites community leaders to learn more about local schools by spending time at individual school campuses, shadowing the principal. The program is designed to increase awareness and understanding among individuals in the private sector of the strengths and challenges of schools in the Dallas ISD and demonstrate the private sector's commitment to ensuring a quality public education for all students.
Among this year's participants were: Kent Eastman, D/FW president of Capital One Bank; Ron Gafford, president/CEO of Austin Industries, Inc.; Robert L. Thornton III, retired vice chairman of JP Morgan Chase Bank; Charles English, CEO/President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas; Rev. Roy Harrell, vice president of Thanksgiving Square; and Ken Curtis, president/CEO of Focus Communications.
Several Dallas City Council members also participated, including Pauline Medrano and David Neumann. In addition, Sam Tasby, for whom Sam Tasby Middle School is named, served as Principal for a Day on that campus. The sons of the late Frank Guzick- Stan Guzick, now athletic director and teacher in Austin ISD and Larry Guzick, regional land manager for Hunt Oil Company- participated at Frank Guzick Elementary.
Community leaders attended schools during the morning and had a chance to walk the halls, give the morning announcements and observe classes. At noon, participants and their host principals attended a luncheon held at the Doubletree Hotel-Dallas Market Center where they were able to share their experiences with Dallas ISD administrative staff. Most participants had developed plans to continue involvement at the schools they visited.
"The Principal for a Day program is an excellent way for community leaders to observe first-hand the hard work that staff throughout Dallas ISD is performing," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa.
"Our thanks go to Capital One Bank for sponsoring the event and luncheon for the second year. This program has the capacity to expand the number of partnerships for schools and, in turn, opportunities for students."