NISD Superintendent Dr. John M. Folks: Effectively educating 82,000 lives every day
Imagine having 82,000 students in the palm of your hand. Every decision you make, every step you take ultimately ends up changing the lives of thousands upon thousands of children. It's a job that only few can do. It takes heart, determination, and a family that can handle a 24 hour a day job.
Dr. John M. Folks, Superintendent of Northside Independent School District (NISD) has been in the education field for over 37 years. He came to NISD five years ago and each year the district continues to grow, larger and stronger. "NISD is the 5th largest school district in Texas," says Folks. "Next year we will pass up Austin to become the 4th in Texas and the 46th in the nation." Prior to working at NISD, Folks was the Commissioner of Education in Oklahoma. He also served as Superintendent in Spring ISD in the Houston Area.
He was born and raised in a small rural community in Oklahoma where both his mom and dad were teachers. "Education runs in my blood," explains Folks. "My entire family is in education, including my sister's husband and my wife." All three of his degrees are from Oklahoma University, better known as OU here in the Longhorn State. Even though Folks holds a bachelor's in Math, a master's in Secondary Education, and an Ed.D. in General Education, he makes it very clear that education must be in your heart. "Whether you're a superintendent or a teacher, you must have the desire in your heart," says Folks. "You can't simply want to teach, but have no drive."
Although Folks remains quite busy every day, he always makes time for the students. During a normal work week he must make sure that the education laws are properly followed and policies are properly implemented. He serves as the CEO of NISD, making sure the entire staff is effectively educating our kids.
"My number one job is to make sure that the kids are receiving good instruction," explains Folks. "Number two is making sure we have a budget to pay our teachers and purchase books for our students." Most people tend to forget about all the necessary ingredients needed to run a district. You not only need teachers; you need cooks, assistants, counselors, maintenance personnel, principals, bus drivers, a board of trustees, etc. Eighty-eight percent of the $580 million dollar budget goes to teachers and books alone.
With Northside being the fastest growing school district (and San Antonio's "destination district"), much of Folks' time is spent in facility development. One out of every two homes built in San Antonio are inside NISD. "About 4,000 new students are added to NISD every year," says Folks. "This means that we have to open three to five new schools every year just to hold our students." Currently there are 92 campuses: 57 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, eight high schools, four magnet schools, and nine special schools (alternative and special education). Eleven schools are under construction now and 12 more are proposed in School Bond 2007.
Even though Folks deals with other daily issues such as TAKS testing, curriculum issues, budgets, new laws, and deciding whether to keep school open during bad weather, he still finds time for extracurricular activities. "My wife and I go to as many football games and concerts as we can," says Folks. "I may not be on campus every day, but I am always doing something to better the children and the district...even if that requires taking up my evening."
Wyvonna, Dr. Folks' wife knows and understands the consumption of his job. "You have to have a family that can deal with such a hectic schedule," explains Folks. "I am on call all the time...this is my life and I thank God for Wyvonna." Not too long ago John and Wyvonna were sitting together in math class. They were both sophomores in high school and it so happened that John's dad was the math teacher. "When we were seniors we went on our first date," says Folks. "We dated for four years and then married...we were literally high school
sweethearts."
On Sundays, Folks and his wife attend MacArthur Park Church of Christ, where he teaches Sunday school. Saturdays are spent golfing and sometimes bicycling. They also enjoy going to "the show" or as we know it, "the movies." Work, family, and church are all key in Dr. Folks' life. "Education is very consuming in a positive way," explains Folks. "It's my life, our life and the challenge is great and the fact that I am making a difference in 82,000 lives is the most rewarding feeling." Although Dr. Folks admits that being a superintendent can be overwhelming, he also makes it very clear that it's equally exciting and satisfying.
Pascual Gonzalez, Executive Director of Communications for NISD, explains that Dr. Folks is probably one of the most humble men he knows.
"He's a master communicator and people naturally draw to him," says Gonzalez. "Other school leaders look up to him and seek his advice." Every Monday, Folks sends out the Monday Message to all 11,000 employees, talking about what he did over the weekend. He tells about the challenges facing the District, and imparts a bit of fatherly advice.
"He is passionate about his job and his enthusiasm is infectious," says Gonzalez. "He is very supportive of teachers and other school personnel and is a huge advocate for all Texas school children."
Being a great leader means to inspire those around you. To give hope and guidance to those around you, to make them feel like they are a part of something great is what he does best. It's an attitude, not a routine.
That's why Dr. Folks Rocks.
That's why Northside Rocks!
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