ECISD shakes up

Hector Mendez, ECISD temporary interim superintendent, said Friday he reorganized the administrative leadership at the district to create a “flat” model where administrators answer to him.

The change comes a week before some staff development is scheduled to take place and about four weeks before Ector County Independent School District campuses open for the 2007-’08 academic year on Aug. 27.

“We need to get going with all four cylinders,” Mendez said.

Mendez said he’s researched the administrative staff’s knowledge, skills and experience since becoming interim superintendent July 12.

Also, Mendez began initial meetings with staff and conferred with board members about his decision, he said.

Under Mendez’ model, Joe Gallegos remains deputy superintendent of accountability, curriculum and instruction, and Bruce Revell continues as deputy superintendent for district operations.

Mendez said Gallegos has been on personal leave and Friday was his last day for that. Mendez added that over the weekend he might review where Gallegos fits in the new administrative structure.

The area superintendents — Alma Guerrero, Wendy Hines and Irene Granado — have changed to assistant superintendent positions with varying duties where Guerrero oversees curriculum and instruction; Hines serves elementary education and Granado supervises instructional support.

Mendez also added Steve Brown, Bonham Junior High principal, as assistant superintendent for secondary education.

Brown said he accepted the job Thursday afternoon, and he’ll continue to help Bonham for a few days to “wind some things up.”

He said his principal position at the junior high was posted on the ECISD website Friday, and he’d start his new job Monday.

Brown said he plans to visit with principals and students and discover secondary campuses’ needs.

“I’m really just excited about the opportunity of working at that level and helping the students in broader scope,” Brown said.

Mendez said who will replace Brown is undetermined but a process will be in place to find a candidate to fill the empty administrative spot.

In the meantime, Mendez said his reorganization changes were effective Thursday.

“I prefer it because it’s a flat organization in terms of decision-making,” Mendez said.

L.V. “Butch” Foreman, ECISD board vice president, said adding Brown to the administration was a positive move because Brown is organized and inclusive in his work approach.

He said he supports Mendez’ decision to change up the administration, and he’s sure the new team can accomplish goals important to the district.

“They’re implementing those ideas, and I have all the confidence in the world that between (Mendez) and the cabinet that they are coming up with the best methods of running the district,” Foreman said.

Foreman said Mendez’ decision falls in line with his duties as interim superintendent to prepare the district for the start of school.

In addition, Mendez said he reassigned Shannon Baker, curriculum and instruction director, to the magnet coordinator position.

It’s not finalized whether she’ll be based out of a campus or the administration building, Mendez said.

All changes were made with a commitment to ECISD students in mind, Mendez said.