Community Profile — Pflugerville Superintendent of schools

Community Profile — Pflugerville Superintendent of schools

Thursday, 07 June 2007

Charles Dupre, Pflugerville superintendent of schools

Although Charles Dupre has been on staff since last spring, this upcoming school year will be his first full year as the district’s superintendent. He has made a long journey from an accountant to a superintendent, but in December the school board unanimously voted Dupre into the position, with some board members enthusiastically yelling out their vote of approval. Dupre isn’t just an employee of the district, he’s also a parent with two sons attending PISD schools.

• Family: Married with two sons in high school
• Education: Bachelor of Science in accounting, Harding University, Master of Education, University of Houston
• Contact information: superintendent@pflugervilleisd.net

Q. What are your goals for the upcoming school year?

A. My goal for next year is to continue the work we’ve started to refine the focus on student instruction and to address the unique needs of every child. We also want to work to really engage community and staff in making sure we provide the best education possible for every kid.

Q. How has your job changed since moving from acting to full-time superintendent?

A. Really the job itself hasn’t changed. I’m doing the same things, but it’s a different weight of responsibility knowing I have the contract and job and responsibility and that the board is holding me accountable to make sure the district is run in the best way possible. When you’re acting superintendent, it’s not your job to keep, so you don’t feel that responsibility. Now that I have it, it feels a little different.

Q. How does it help you to have school-aged children?

A. It gives me great insight. I see the school from the perspective of a parent. I am glad to have children in our school system because it lets me see the things I normally wouldn’t. The things they come home and tell me, the homework I review, all of that enables me to look at it with a different perspective. Sometimes it makes the principals and other leaders nervous, but I always want them to know that I’m not evaluating them. I’m just like any other parent wanting what’s best for my child. I’ll call the school if I have a problem, but I did that before I was superintendent.

Q. What is the biggest challenge facing PISD right now?

A. The biggest challenge is the ever-changing dynamics. Our students are changing and student population is changing rapidly. We’re committed to providing education for every child, and we have a lot of non-native English speakers. Adults need to change to address the needs of the changing student population, and sometimes it’s hard for adults to change the way they do things. I say adults because it’s not just the teachers, it’s the leaders at the executive level, at the campus level, all through the organization. Adults have to be open-minded and flexible so we can do our very best for all students.

Q. What was the most important lesson you learned in school?

A. Due to certain circumstances, I was full of myself and I had a teacher in high school who needed to help me understand I’d be more likable and have more friends if I was a little less full of myself. Those are good teachers who will sit down and be honest with you.

Q. If you had an unlimited budget, what are the first things you would do?

A. I would raise every teacher’s salary a huge amount. I would also invest in all kinds of professional development and recognition opportunities for staff.

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