The Killeen ISD interim superintendent heard from a thoughtful, insightful, highly influential group Monday during a visit to Willow Springs Elementary School.
Interim Superintendent King Davis spent close to an hour with selected fourth- and fifth-graders during a gathering with the school’s Communities in Schools site director Cinnamon Clay.
When Davis walked into the classroom, the students stood and gave him a welcome then each shook his hand and introduced themselves.
The top district administrator sat at a table with students on either side and took notes as Clay directed questions.
The students shared with Davis their likes and dislikes about school and made suggestions on what they would change if they were in charge.
The fifth-graders also shared some of their fears about entering middle school next fall.
Following a group photo, several students took advantage of time to ask the interim superintendent individual questions.
Introducing himself, Davis said he is in his ninth week in KISD and happy to learn all he can from students.
The retired superintendent said he was an educator for more than 30 years and that his own teachers showed great patience working with him, leading him to want to pass along that service to others.
Student remarks varied. They liked math, science, PE, learning new things, meeting new people and the kindness of school staff members.
They said they didn’t like bullying, students disrespecting teachers in class, fighting and too long class days.
Other likes included school parties, recess, book fairs, teachers and feeling safe.
Students’ concerns about middle school centered on going to school in a larger building and taking on more difficult courses with stricter teachers and the possibility of not seeing friends as often.
Davis thanked the students for giving honest assessment. He said that while middle schools are larger and usually have more students than elementary schools, those years also offer greater independence and more learning opportunities.
When asked, he told students that reaching his position takes a lot of schooling, maybe 10 years beyond high school.
He also said that a superintendent mainly is charged with keeping students safe and making sure that learning is taking place across the system of 50-plus schools.
After students escorted Davis to the front door, the interim superintendent praised the students for their honesty and said it’s important for administrators to hear from even the youngest learners.
“It’s always a joy to give back to what this is all about and that’s children,” he said. “To spend time with children and allow them to ask questions is always impactful. It was great to hear from our younger scholars what they like and don’t like about school.”
“What I enjoyed was they were able to articulate what they enjoy and more importantly what they dislike,” Davis said. “As adults, we need to be able to hear and receive when our scholars have concerns. It was really refreshing to hear from our students.”
Photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720329523244/