BROWNTOWN NATIVE IS TEXAS LONE STAR IN ROUND ROCK

Dr. Jesús H. Chávez, superintendent, Round Rock Independent School District

Career highlights and education: Dr. Jesús H. Chávez has 33 years experience in education, beginning as a third grade teacher in Brownsville ISD and working as an assistant principal, central office administrator and superintendent. He served as superintendent of the Harlingen Consolidated ISD and Corpus Christi ISD before moving to Round Rock ISD in 2006.
Chavez received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from The University of Texas at Austin, his Masters of Education from Pan American University at Brownsville and received his doctorate along with his superintendent's certificate from UT Austin in Special Education Administration in 1989.
What I like best about my job is:
Running a school district is a collaborative process. I enjoy working with people towards making important decisions that positively impact students and the community.

The best advice I've received for my current job is:
Always do what's best for the children. If you keep the kids as your primary focus, you arrive at good decisions.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office:
Buckle in. The work we do is fast, it's hectic, but it's extremely rewarding.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found:
At home with my wife, Martha, or spending time with both of my kids. They're 27- and 18-years-old now, so they're not little ones anymore, but that's still where I like to spend my extra time.
People would be surprised to know that I:
actually enjoy shopping. Any kind really - going through the aisles at the grocery store or window shopping at the outlets here.

One thing I wish more people knew about Round Rock ISD:
I would hope they know that we have great people and that the students in our district do extremely well. What I think people should realize is that part of the way we achieve that is by having multiple grant programs throughout our district, so each student can find their niche while they are here and their own path to success.