7 May 2010
Veteran Educator Celebrated as Top Administrator
DALLAS—Tracie Fraley, principal at Dallas ISD's Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, was named the 2010 Principal of the Year at an awards ceremony yesterday at Cityplace. Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa and District 6 Trustee Carla Ranger presented the award during the ceremony along with a check for $2,500.
Fraley has been at the helm at Booker T. Washington since 2008, and has not only changed the culture of the school, but also understands the power of effective and collaborative leadership.
"It takes hard work, time and the occasional heroic effort to establish a school culture that is uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence," said Fraley. "It is also something that cannot be established single handedly. It requires the same level of passion and commitment from all stakeholders in the school: the teachers, the parents, the community and the students."
When Fraley came to Booker T. Washington two years ago, the school was in transition as students and staff had just completed the relocation to its updated facility. Fraley arrived at the first faculty meeting armed with data, honesty and a vision of what the school could become. She didn't stop there; she also issued a challenge to the faculty to enlarge the vision and make it their own. Suddenly the school was filled with energy, and within weeks, the entire faculty had confidence in her leadership. In a year's time, the OHI scores soared to 97 percent and Booker T. Washington was once again an exemplary school.
As a lead principal in the district, Fraley was instrumental in securing a $65,000 grant for professional development not only for the faculty at Booker T. Washington, but also for other faculty members throughout the district. It is her belief that motivating and supporting all teachers in the district improves education for all.
One of her most effective tools in creating a culture of excellence has been the establishment of a five year strategic plan that all stakeholders helped design and create.
Fraley says she is lucky to work with the best and brightest teachers and students, and although "the life of a school principal is often filled with conflict, controversy and challenges, I would argue there is no better job in the world!"
Fraley received her Masters of Education from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Texas in Dallas. She has an Associate Degree in Applied Arts and Science from Richland College. Fraley started with Dallas ISD in 1986 as a special education teacher and department chair. In 2000, she went to work for Irving ISD and returned to Dallas ISD in 2008 as principal at Booker T. Washington.
Principals Lynette Howard, J.P. Starks Elementary School, and Anthony Tovar, Sunset High School were chosen as 2010 Principal of the Year finalists. Each were awarded a check for $500.
Principals Susan Hanke, Seagoville Elementary School, and Jan Jones, Highland Meadows Elementary School, were among the semi-finalists.
A selection committee composed of past Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year winners, Dallas ISD Teen Board students and other district staff chose the winners after reviewing each candidate's nomination packet and conducting site visits and interviews. Winners are chosen based on their leadership skills and management effectiveness; parental and community involvement initiatives; and for their professional relationship with students, parents, staff and community.