Principal for a Day strengthens Dallas ISD partnerships with business, civic leaders

Principal for a Day on Oct. 11 provided more than 200 business and community leaders with a behind-the-scenes look at Dallas ISD schools.

Dallas Regional Chamber and Capital One help sponsor the annual event that sees the volunteers leading schools across the district. The Principals for a Day have the opportunity to shadow local principals, meet with students, read to classes, attend student performances, and participate in a number of other activities that make up a typical school day.

Superintendent Michael Hinojosa has called PFAD one of the best things the district does every year.

Congressman Marc Veasey, a Principal For the Day at Arcadia Park Elementary School, found the event inspiring.

“I think that all members of Congress should take the time to come out to their schools, find out exactly what is going on in them, because it’s the future of our country, literally,” Veasey said. “To all the students and teachers in Dallas ISD, thank you for everything you do. Please keep working hard.”

Before touring the school, Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy Principal Richard Kastl briefed PFAD participant George Tang, chief operating officer of CFT Educate Texas, on the great things happening at the campus.

Tang said he was excited to learn how he could help support the campus in the future.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about the school, learn about the system the school operates in, and learn how and where we can hopefully contribute to advancing the work that needs to happen,” he said.

Jane Didear of Dallas ISD’s Volunteer and Partnership Services Department said Oct. 11 marked the best PFAD yet.

“Twelve years ago we launched this program to give Dallas leaders a chance to see public education up close in real time,” Didear said. “This year, with more volunteers than ever, many CEOs and other executives not only thoroughly enjoyed the experience but announced commitments to their school match to bring resources in support of campus plans. We are grateful for widespread community engagement and feel this year’s event will have a lasting, positive impact across the district.”