Dr. Henson joins Rotary Club of Marlin

“I strongly believe that with the support of the Board and community, Marlin ISD will be able to be successful this year,” emphasized Dr. Darryl Henson.

MISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson addressed the Rotary Club of Marlin on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He provided a description of his previous work leading him here, stating, “(I) always had my eye on Marlin and wanted to work in Marlin for over two years.” 

Dr. Darryl Henson was born and raised in the Houston area; his family is from La Marque, TX, which is very similar to Marlin, TX. Young Darryl loved sports and his passion for athletics became evident very early in his life. In the third grade, nine-year-old Darryl Henson student saw that the sooner his classmates learned what was being taught by the classroom teacher, the sooner they could go to recess. He knew he wanted to be an educator in the third grade!

Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Elementary Education. After graduating from UT, Darryl Henson taught fourth grade and seventh grade in the Austin area, before returning to Houston where he was a high school math teacher, track coach, and instructional specialist. 

Darryl Henson’s first principal job was in Lockhart, TX; a rural community 25 miles south of Austin. His second principal job was in El Paso, TX at Parkland High School. While at Parkland, that school earned all of the academic distinctions. Both North Forest and Parkland High Schools “experienced unprecedented gains on state assessment results, increased enrollments, and reinvigorated senses of school spirit and community pride.” (Biography Darryl Henson)  His was accomplished by establishing strong instructional systems and a sense of pride throughout the community. He also was the principal at North Forest High School in Houston ISD, then Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership at Cedar Hill ISD.

“Dr. Henson earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston. Dr. Henson has professional affiliations with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, and Texas Association of School Administrators.” (Biography Darryl Henson)  

“Dr. Darryl J. Henson currently serves as the Superintendent of Marlin ISD. A firm believer in public education, Dr. Henson believes that a quality education, coupled with taught interpersonal skills, can provide students with a solid foundation for the life that awaits them.” (Biography Darryl Henson)  

“Throughout the years, Dr. Henson has been regarded for his passion and vibrant personality as he has built lasting relationships with students and communities across Texas. Dr. Henson firmly believes that culture, curriculum, and community are the pillars of establishing and maintaining a thriving school system.” (Biography Darryl Henson)  

Working towards “establishing strong instructional systems and a sense of pride throughout the community,” Dr. Darryl Henson explained. ”We have established a strategic plan that focuses on literacy, mathematical processing, and student self-advocacy. I understand that that change is difficult, but through consistent actions over time, the community will once again begin trusting the school district.” 

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” (Paul Harris, Rotary founder) At the 1989 Rotary International Council on Legislation established SERVICE ABOVE SELF as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service. By this, each member of Rotary Club of Marlin stands committed in support of the children, parents, teachers, and administrative staff of the Marlin School Independent District,” says Dr. Marilyn Martin, President of Rotary Club of Marlin. “We are community builders. We are people of action. We are problem-solvers.” (Rotary Club International)