A Love Letter to Crosby ISD
February 11, 2025
Author
Dr. Paula Patterson’s Journey to Leadership
“Hello! How is your day?”
These five words, often said by students when I visit a campus, remind me of the extraordinary privilege I have serving as the Superintendent of Schools of the Crosby Independent School District just outside Houston, Texas. I grew up here. I went to school here. I graduated from Crosby High School. My husband and I were classmates. We raised our sons here, and they’re alumni, too. Needless to say, Crosby ISD is stamped on my heart.
My journey as Superintendent of Schools represents my third chapter with Crosby ISD in a 25-year education career. From teaching at Barrett Elementary to serving as Principal of Crosby Elementary, with growth opportunities elsewhere in between, each step led me back home. As someone whose predecessors invested deeply in my success, I'm committed to doing the same for today's students, knowing the decisions made today shape the future.
As a product of Crosby/Barrett Station communities, I've witnessed our growth, celebrated our victories, and faced our challenges. This lifetime of experience guides my leadership, giving me a unique insight into what works for our district and what doesn't.
Lessons Learned from the Beginning
Enhancing district culture was a top priority when I moved into the seat. Through celebrations and campus listening tours, I've focused on uplifting our teachers and staff. Here are some lessons that helped me along the way:
- Be visible: It’s important that staff members see you actively involved on campuses and at extracurricular activities. I try to attend games across every sport and as many arts performances as
possible. Being a leader means being present, even on the hardest days. My best days are those spent with students - they’re always my ‘why’.
- Recruit mentors: Seek a mentor who can give you a reality check. Those who encourage you when you’re on the right track and guide you when you need a little course correction. People in your circle who can be real with you and honest about where you need to grow.
- Keep your circle close: I lean on my sister superintendents across the state of Texas. We are a tight group who lift each other up through texts, chats, conversations, book studies, and prayer.
- I lean on my faith in God: In public education, being grounded in the word is a great strategy to counterbalance some of the pessimism we can experience. My faith defeats defeatism. There is no challenge too great for our God. I start and end my day each day with prayer.
Crowning Achievements in Crosby
While Crosby ISD has many achievements to celebrate, our innovative calendar changes stand out for tackling teacher vacancy shortages head-on. We’ve gone from 37 first-time teachers on staff to hiring zero first-time teachers this year. The average tenure of our teachers is among the best in our region. I am also proud to share that Crosby ISD is operating on a non-deficit budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. There are approximately 1,200 school districts in Texas, and Crosby ISD is one of only about 20% of districts not operating in the red. We’ve worked hard to cement a solid financial future for our students and staff members.
We are also tackling growth with 15 different mega subdivisions opening over the next few years in our communities. Futurecasting is not just a slogan, it’s what we do each and every day.
Breaking the 1.4% Ceiling: Inspiration and Advice for Black Women Leaders
My ancestors were among the founding families of Barrett Station, one of the first communities in Texas to be established by formerly enslaved Black families. My father, just one generation before me, attended a segregated high school, Drew High School. Now, his daughter leads the district.
I am proud to be the first woman and first woman of color to lead Crosby ISD. I always like to say it’s a privilege to be the first, but try to make sure you’re not the last. I’m grateful that young girls and young girls of color can see their future selves in my example.
While women aspiring to the superintendency often face skepticism, we prove doubters wrong through hard work, dedication, and sheer determination. To women educators on the journey to the superintendency:
Do not let yourself be distracted by criticism; it comes with some of the territory of public education. Know that the slings and arrows often have nothing to do with you or your leadership.
Hope is the best antidote to pessimism. I begin each day in prayer - for our students, staff, communities, and families. Being a prayer warrior is the best way to clothe yourself in the armor of hope.
It's a privilege to help move Crosby ISD forward and build upon our foundation for future generations. Those five little words I mentioned at the beginning of this story: “Hello! How is your day?” remind me that our students care about how their teachers and administrators are doing. I'm proud to champion academic excellence for all students in Texas' finest school district - my hometown team.
