CCISD finalist vows to be visible at campuses
'I plan to be here for as long as you'll have me,' Bria says
By adriana garza Caller-Times
August 3, 2006
Five days after being named the sole finalist for the CCISD superintendent position, Rochonne Bria spent most of Wednesday getting to know the district.
During her first full day in Corpus Christi since the announcement was made, Bria introduced herself to several dozen school administrators and teachers and told them about her long-term plans, including becoming more visible in the district's schools.
She also emphasized her commitment to the Corpus Christi Independent School District and added that, if offered the job, this likely would be her last position as a superintendent.
"I stay in communities and I live there," said Bria, who has served as superintendent of Battle Ground Independent School District in Washington for eight years. "I plan to be here for as long as you'll have me."
She said that stability would contribute to the district's success.
She talked about her background in curriculum and instruction and said she was impressed with the district's new plan, unveiled at the Superintendent Leadership Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Bria, 58, began her career 33 years ago in Mesa, Ariz., teaching sixth grade.
She also has taught special education in junior high and high schools in Arizona and worked toward writing curriculum for seventh through 12th grades.
While she is just beginning to familiarize herself with the district and its issues, Bria already knows at least one thing she wants to do if CCISD trustees vote to offer her a contract after the obligatory 21-day negotiation period.
"I want to be in the schools every day," Bria said. "I need to know each one of our schools."
Bria said she plans on allowing time every morning to meet the district's students, teachers and principals. That open line of communication is key to a district's success, she added.
CCISD Board President Manuel Flores said Bria has been well received by the community during her first visit.
"She has proven herself to be very approachable and she has shown that she is eager to learn as much about the district and the city as she can," he said.
CCISD's finalist also met with the local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. President Juan Guerra said the union was encouraged after learning of Bria's past experience, especially with minority students.
Bria will return next week to continue her introduction to the community.
CCISD trustees voted 5-2 last week in favor of naming the Washington native as the sole finalist for the district's top job.
The search began in February, after former superintendent Jesus Chavez left the district to become the superintendent of Round Rock Independent School District.
Contact Adriana Garza at 886-3618 or HYPERLINK mailto:garzaa@caller.com garzaa@caller.com
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