Former Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Roy Brooks spoke to our Leadership class yesterday. After reviewing a case study on the tenuous relationship between Dr. Brooks and the Little Rock School Board, the subsequent discussion revealed a vacuum of information. This prompted my classmate, Chad Williamson, to suggest inviting Dr. Brooks to address the class. To our benefit, Dr. Brooks responded favorably.
Dr. Brooks came to Little Rock at a critical time: the district was under intense scrutiny by a desegregation court order, a top heavy administration and a divided school board. He discussed key accomplishments and challenges he faced as the leader of the largest school district in Arkansas, emphasizing the importance of “patience and poise” as a leader, particularly in the face of adversity. “When you make decisions on the magnitude of $300 million, you are going to have people disagree,” Brooks said.
Despite leading LRSD out of a 24 year court desegregation order and strengthening business relationships, he openly acknowledged missteps along the way, particularly with grassroots organizations. He encouraged us to “reach out to grassroots organizations. You can enable disengaged people to be active in the decision-making process.”
Though the Q&A segment offered some precipitous moments, the opportunity for an ‘interactive lesson’ was priceless.
Dr. Brooks came to Little Rock at a critical time: the district was under intense scrutiny by a desegregation court order, a top heavy administration and a divided school board. He discussed key accomplishments and challenges he faced as the leader of the largest school district in Arkansas, emphasizing the importance of “patience and poise” as a leader, particularly in the face of adversity. “When you make decisions on the magnitude of $300 million, you are going to have people disagree,” Brooks said.
Despite leading LRSD out of a 24 year court desegregation order and strengthening business relationships, he openly acknowledged missteps along the way, particularly with grassroots organizations. He encouraged us to “reach out to grassroots organizations. You can enable disengaged people to be active in the decision-making process.”
Though the Q&A segment offered some precipitous moments, the opportunity for an ‘interactive lesson’ was priceless.
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