Dr. Christie Whitbeck walks down the hallway at Bryan High School, just one of more than twenty schools under her supervision. She excels at troubleshooting and has an air of confidence about her - it comes with the job. But she also carries a story. A story unique to her which pushes her. One that involves the passing of both her husband and her son. One that has pushes her to listen - to listen to the stories of the employees who answer to her and the students she serves because she knows they matter.

Students may not start classes until August 22, but for new Superintendent Thomas Wallis, preparing for the school year began on July 1. Wallis, the former Superintendent of Palestine ISD, began reading about the new Superentindent’s job in mid-Spring, as it appeared in postings on Texas Education websites, but hadn’t initially considered applying for the position.