After assuming the role of Leander ISD’s depute superintendent last Thursday, Chris Clark said his top priorities were simple: stability and student learning.

“I was super excited that the board had faith in me to lead this school district through the next several months as we transition to a new superintendent,” Clark said. “So there was kind of that feeling of being honored, that somebody would bestow that trust on within me. I’m just excited at the opportunity to continue the work I already do, but in a different way.”

Clark has worked at Leander ISD for 2.5 years and was promoted last year to deputy superintendent of learning and innovation. Before transferring to the district, Clark worked in Frisco ISD as a principal.

“For the last five-ish years, I’ve had that desire to eventually be a superintendent,” Clark said. “I’ll be honest that I wasn’t anticipating this exactly on this timeline. But when Dr. Gearing decided to retire, and I was given this opportunity, [I thought] you got to take that chance or take that opportunity when it comes to you. Even though it wasn’t exactly what you planned.”

Throughout his career, Clark has held a myriad of jobs from bus driver, to instructional coach, to principal.

“I’ve done so many different jobs in a school district,” Clark said. “I bring all of [what I learned] with me into this role. So understanding the work that those individuals do day in and out, I think it makes me a better leader. Now, it’s been a while since I’ve done those things, but you can pull off of those memories and and have empathy and understanding for everybody that works within the district.”

Clark said his top priorities in this period of change is to maintain stability and minimize impacts caused by budget cuts. At the next few board meetings, Clark said he hopes to have discussions regarding the district’s budget with board members.

“My biggest concern is that the decisions we make negatively impact any student in any way,” Clark said. “I would love to be able to find a magic bullet where we could remedy this deficit and kids never know the difference. I know that’s not a reality. Whatever decisions we have to make to reduce the amount that we spend, we want to make those in such a way that it minimizes that impact to the smallest number. I carry that in [my] heart, so I remember that with every decision that I make. It will impact things, but I think we can do it in such a way that we prevent drastic impact that kids lose opportunities or access to services that they need in some way.”

Having seen every level from bus driver to acting superintendent Clark said it is crucial for students and teacher to be aware of his stepping into this role.

“It’s important for you to know me and [to know when] I make a decision or a recommendation to our board for a decision,” Clark said. “[This] impacts you and it’s important for students to know that so you can come and advocate for your needs or communicate to us in such a way that we know what is most important to you in school.  Of course, my goal is to only make decisions that positively impact you, but you need to know that who your leader is, of your organization, so you can understand what they’re doing and how to influence it.”

The issue of school consolidation plagues the board and minds of district students. Somewhat vague communication on the district’s part has parents worried.

“I hate that any parent or anybody in our community feels that frustration [with the district],” Clark said. “That’s not illegitimate. My response would be to find out specifically why they feel that way, what information they do or don’t have and try to provide that to them with, within reason. Our goal is and we feel like we operate in a very transparent, open and honest way. There are some people who don’t believe that to be the case, but the best thing you can do is act in a way that that helps rectify that.”

At this time Clark is unaware of the timeline of selecting a permanent superintendent as that decision falls to the board to make.

“I know [the board is]  focused on improving the way we work as a professional learning community,” Clark said. “That is a priority for them right now. I think they want a superintendent that will provide leadership and and keep the organization focused on student learning.”

CLICK HERE to read a transcript of the interview and Cedar Park’s account on the Wolfpack.