PEOPLE Laurelyn Arterbury New superintendent of New Braunfels ISD
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
we can continue to grow as a district. The district’s strategic plan and scorecard clearly outline our focus areas and provide a framework within which we can continue to grow. I foresee opportunities to create systems that encourage and support leadership development, to design learning experiences that ensure stu- dent ownership of their learning, and to provide opportunities to engage our community in our schools. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SEE THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? NBISD has a long legacy of success, and we are a destination district for many families. I want other school districts to view us as their model, to come here, to learn from us and aspire to be us. I want us to be known as a district who lives out their core beliefs every day. We are “rooted in history, building a legacy and growing toward the future.” Staying true to our core beliefs, focusing on our students and sta , and planning for the future is how we will achieve these goals. TAKING THE HELM Arterbury has been an educator for more than 20 years in fast-growth school districts north of Austin, including Round Rock and Leander ISDs. Some of her experience prior to New Braunfels ISD includes: • High school teacher, RRISD • High school principal, RRISD • Interim chief technology o cer, LISD • Executive director of college and career pathways, LISD • Area superintendent, LISD • Chief of sta , LISD
BY SIERRA MARTIN
Laurelyn Arterbury began as superintendent of New Braunfels ISD on May 30. Arterbury previously served as chief of sta for Leander ISD. Her educational career began as a high school teacher and campus administrator in Round Rock ISD, where she resided for 16 years. She shared her goals for the district and what she plans to do to support educators and students in the community. This interview has been edited for length, style and clarity. For the full interview, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Laurelyn Arterbury
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN EDUCATOR? I have always wanted to be a
privilege of serving there for 16 years as a high school teacher and campus administrator. My leader- ship journey continued as a district administrator in Leander ISD for 7 years where, prior to serving as chief of sta , I also served as area superintendent and led our college and career pathways team, which focused on ensuring programs, courses and learning opportunities were provided to our students so they could each achieve their postsecondary goals. My leadership has been shaped, re ned and enhanced through inter- actions with passionate educators, supportive parents and collaborative community partners. WHAT STANDS OUT TO YOU ABOUT NEW BRAUNFELS ISD? The people I have met here are extremely kind and caring. There is a pride in New Braunfels ISD that doesn’t exist in other communities, pride in the history and heritage, pride in the traditions, and pride in our schools. There is a very strong sense of community in NBISD that I am certain will continue to unite us
even as we continue to grow. We are “Stronger Together.” WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP GOALS FOR THE DISTRICT? I want every student to feel safe, supported and encouraged to learn and grow in NBISD so they can pur- sue their passions and dreams when they graduate. I want our teachers and sta members to feel empowered to create these engaging and support- ive learning environments. And I want parents to be actively involved in their child’s education and to partner with NBISD to sup- port every learner in our system. A strong public education system built upon partnerships between parents, community and sta members is key to our success. I intend to honor the work that has already begun here and remain focused on the four priority areas: student success, high-performing By utilizing a continuous improve- ment mindset, we can identify areas where we are currently outperforming our peers as well as the areas where sta , strong partnerships, and e cient district operations.
teacher. I love helping others see the potential in themselves and working collaboratively to nd solutions to problems. I am a teacher at heart, and my leadership style is driven from my desire to serve and help others. WHAT HAS SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO IMPROVING STUDENT OUTCOMES AS A SUPERINTENDENT? I approach every interaction, every conversation and every situation as an opportunity to learn something new. I have been fortunate to have served in two outstanding school districts on multiple campuses and departments prior to joining NBISD. While each of these experiences was di erent and unique, one thing always remains the same. … Students have and always will be at the center of every decision I make. A strong partnership between parents and teachers is the most e ective way to support our students. My educational career began in Round Rock ISD, and I had the
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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