Dr. Kent Scribner is expected to be named the new superintendent of Fort Worth ISD Schools at tonight’s Board of Education meeting. Scribner has been the sole finalist for the job for a 21 day waiting period.
Scribner has served as superintendent of Phoenix Union High School District in Arizona since 2008. His previous district consisted of 27,000 students, grades 9 through 12. He said the opportunity to work with younger students is one of the factors that attracted him to Fort Worth.
“The fact that Fort Worth is a Pre-K through 12 district, I think is a great opportunity for me. I believe strongly in early childhood education, and think that it’s probably where we get our biggest bang for the buck in terms of educational investment,” Scribner said.
Scribner also said another aspect of the Fort Worth district that attracted him is student diversity, coming from a school district with a high minority student percentage. Additionally, Scribner grew up speaking Spanish in a bilingual home.
“My mother is from Mexico and my father is from Maine, so I know a little bit about diversity and difference. Growing up in a bilingual and bi-cultural home has been a great asset to me. I think that the ability to understand more than one language leads to a more well-rounded leadership style,” Scribner said.
Scribner is leaving Phoenix on a positive note. Governing Board President of Phoenix Union High School District, Lela Alston, said in an email that Scribner has done many remarkable things that have brought Phoenix Union to where it is today.
“It is evident that Dr. Scribner loved the students and community of Phoenix Union. Phoenix Union faced many challenges but Dr. Scribner weathered those storms and represented the district well,” she said.
Members of the Fort Worth Board of Education have said they look forward to the addition of Scribner as well. School board member Judy Needham said Scribner is a perfect match for the district.
“We are all very excited about him and we’re in unanimous agreement,” Needham said.