Henson to serve as high school principal for the 2023-24

In an unprecedented move, Marlin Independent School District is gearing up for the new academic year with its superintendent, Dr. Darryl Henson, serving as the high school principal. 

The announcement comes following a year where the superintendent and the entire district cabinet took on teaching roles, a level of hands-on leadership rarely witnessed in education, so that students would have a high-quality teacher rather than a substitute in classrooms. Henson was the teacher of record for a sixth grade math course, whose bragging rights for the year included top STAAR scores in the district.

“I am proud that we have a superintendent that first and foremost is willing to put the work in to put students first and create systems of accountability,” Executive Director of Human Resources Jesse Bustamante said. “I can’t imagine there’s another school district in the state or even the country where the superintendent is also a teacher of record, and the following year is willing to step into the role of high school principal to provide the site management necessary to move the needle. It certainly makes my job easier. Rolling your sleeves up shouldn’t be innovative, but sometimes it is.”

Marlin ISD recently made headlines for rescheduling its graduation ceremony to ensure every student met the necessary requirements to graduate. Marlin ISD ended the school year with a 100 perent graduation rate, making the district one of the only school districts in the state of Texas with a 99.9 percent economically disadvantaged rate to graduate every senior.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to cross that stage knowing they’ve achieved their high school diploma and every standard that comes with it,” Henson said. “We’re not just about maintaining status quo or statistics; we’re about shaping futures.”

The decision to have the superintendent serve dual roles underscores the district’s dedication to maintaining strong leadership at the helm during a time when such guidance is paramount. The district is no stranger to adversity. Following a decade of failing ratings, Marlin ISD earned a “B” rating for the 2022-23 school year, making it the school district with the greatest gains in accountability in Texas.

“Marlin ISD is more than a district; it’s a community,” Henson noted. “By stepping into the role of high school principal, I hope to foster an even stronger sense of connection between administration, staff, and our students. We’re committed to breaking barriers and cultivating potential in every student.”

The commitment of Marlin ISD to go the extra mile, as showcased by this unique step, resonates with its track record of overcoming challenges. As they navigate this unique path, the district’s innovative approach to leadership and education will undoubtedly be closely watched by both state and national educators, keen to learn from their trailblazing example.

Marlin ISD students returned to classes for the school year on July 31.