Henson is confident in MISD’s future

During a specially-called meeting of the Marlin Independent School District Board of Managers on May 20, Dr. Darryl Henson officially signed his contract to be Marlin ISD’s new superintendent. 

The motion to give him the contract was unanimously approved.

“I want to thank the board for the confidence allowing me to join Marlin ISD,” he began. The educator teared up as he thanked family members that have been supportive to him along his journey.

“When I think about Marlin ISD, it’s a place that’s familiar,” Henson continued. “It’s home now, so Marlin, I’m home.”

The first-time superintendent is from a similar community in Galveston County. The towns have mirrored issues of streets, a struggling school district, and are both commonly seen as “declining” communities.

Dr. Henson has big plans for Marlin ISD, all centered on a single philosophy.

“We’re going to focus in on the quality of instruction in every single classroom,” he said at the meeting. “It’s going to be important that every child, every single day, is provided with the skillset and the knowledge to be successful in life.”

“As a team, as a board, as a community, as a faculty and staff,” Henson continued. “We’re going to have to work harder than we ever have before.”

He’s expressed that he plans to get parents involved with their children’s education, along with his own work on campuses. He plans to build on the foundation begun this year by Dr. Jean Bahney, MISD’s outgoing interim superintendent.

He has had success in turning around larger districts like Parkland and North Forest, and plans to implement a combination of the techniques used there. 

“There is no one specific plan of action to take,” he explained to reporters before his contract signing. “Marlin is very unique.”

In light of recent announcements by the Texas Education Agency, Henson plans to approach the subject of altering the academic calendar for 2020-2021 with the Board of Managers.

“A needs analysis will have to be conducted using the current student achievement data, insight from teachers, and feedback from principals,” the educator stated.

“As we gather feedback from parents, neighboring districts, and the Board, this will allow the district the opportunity, if needed, to propose additional calendar options that anticipate short-term disruptions to learning and high absenteeism,” Henson continued.

Though he knows that his new position will challenge him, Henson contends that he is up to conquering the issues presented. Along with an inherent connection to the climate of the community, the challenge of it all was an essential part of his interest in the job.

“I saw a real need here,” he disclosed. “I plan on conquering this challenge like those before this one.”

“It’s a lot of information in a short span of time,” Henson admitted. “But I know what I’m up against.” 

Board President Billy Johnson presented Dr. Jean Bahney with a card and a piece of greenery during the meeting where Henson signed his contract.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” he said. “We wish you the best in the future.” 

“It’s been a great year working with everyone,” the state-appointed official told reporters previously.

Diana Vaughn will remain as Marlin ISD’s district conservator, though the position was held by Bahney before her. Vaughn will oversee Henson until the TEA reinstates the district’s accreditation status, hopefully after the next round of state testing. 

“I’m excited for Marlin and more importantly, I’m excited for the students of this district,” Henson proclaimed at the end of his acceptance speech. “Let’s hold it down for Marlin.”

The future of Marlin ISD seems to be in great hands for the start of a new school year. Only time will tell what’s to come for the children of Marlin.