Are Grapevine-Colleyville schools headed in the right direction? Most say no in survey
A report from the search firm tasked with finding the Grapevine-Colleyville superintendent indicated there are concerns about politics and divisiveness in the school district and feelings the district isn’t headed in the right direction.
The report was based on a compilation of comments from meetings with employees and residents as well as survey results from parents, teachers and residents.
The board hired Mansfield-based Leasor Crass last fall to conduct its search.
School board president Casey Ford did not respond to emails seeking comment about the search firm’s report or how the board will address the community’s concerns.
The survey showed that almost 65% of respondents disagreed with the statement that the district is headed in the right direction. Only 4.89% strongly agreed and 14.13% agreed with the statement.
During the community meetings, people shared concerns that the district is divisive and that the new superintendent would be influenced by politics and not recognize the diverse student population.
The most important issues, according to the report, are post-COVID achievement gaps, retaining teachers, campus safety and healing the fractures in the community.
Asked for the most important qualities in a new superintendent, respondents said they wanted a consensus builder with strong morals and strong leadership skills.
Asked about the school district’s strengths, respondents listed specialized programs and campuses to help students succeed, excellent teachers and high academic achievements.
Grapevine-Colleyville and other suburban Fort Worth school districts have been in the national spotlight over issues related to library books and the teaching of critical race theory.
Former superintendent Robin Ryan retired Jan. 1 after 13 years as superintendent and 38 years in public education. He will remain an employee until the end of August to help with the transition, according to the school district.
The board plans to choose candidates to interview Feb. 14 and have a lone finalist March 2, with a “preferred” start date of April 1, according to a timeline on the district’s website.