14 Jun 2000
Ora Lee Watson and James H. Hughey will assume top posts in the Dallas Independent School District administration. The staffing changes were announced earlier this week by General Superintendent Dr. Waldemar Rojas.
"I believe Dr. Watson and Dr. Hughey will contribute the experience and the expertise needed to help achieve many of the goals of my administration," said Dr. Rojas. "Furthermore, I will continue to study the functioning of the current organization and bring forth the necessary changes in order to achieve a successful school reform in student learning and performance."
Ora Lee Watson has been assigned to the post of Interim Associate Superintendent for School Operations. She previously held the position of Special Assistant to the Superintendent—Comprehensive School Improvement, and was Executive Principal of Townview Magnet Center in 1994.
"It always has been my mission to ensure that students of the Dallas Independent School District demonstrate the very best quality education has to offer," said Watson. "This leadership position will allow me to coordinate the activities of district operations and instructional administrators in an effort to accomplish that task."
James H. Hughey, former superintendent of the Dallas schools, has been named Interim Deputy Superintendent—Teaching and Learning. Hughey served as acting superintendent in 1997 following 40 years of service as an educator and administrator in the DISD. In 1998, the Dallas School Board appointed Hughey to the post of General Superintendent of the Dallas schools, a position he held until August 1999.
"I'm honored to be asked by Dr. Rojas to oversee the functions of the Teaching and Learning Department," said Hughey. "My top priority has been, and always will be, to make sure students in the district continue to receive the best education."
Throughout his tenure in the Dallas school, Hughey has served as principal at Carter, Samuell, and Seagoville high schools. He also served as director of the district's Environmental Education Center. Most recently, Hughey worked in partnership with the Dallas County Community College District and the DISD on the Rising Star Scholarship Fund program and the Texas Quality Award for Public Schools.