Episode Details

A quick note to listeners: 

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.

Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/ —-

The question is: How do you foster collaboration within the admin team?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Meet Brent Jaco

Brent H. Jaco is in his fifth year as Superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, in Pecos, Texas. He has led the district through significant improvements, including the passage of two bonds since 2021 totaling over $625 million. These bonds enabled the construction of two new elementary campuses, the first in over 45 years, along with new facilities for maintenance, child nutrition, and technology, and a state-of-the-art Career & Technology Education wing at Pecos High School. He has been an athletic trainer, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal before moving into district administration. Mr. Jaco possesses a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Leadership from Ashford University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston. Before starting his career in education, he honorably served our country as a United States Naval Officer from 1994 – 1998.

In this episode, Will Parker speaks with Brent Jaco, Superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. Brent shares valuable insights about leadership, trust, and the transformations happening within his district.

Lessons in District Transformation

Brent begins by discussing the challenges Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD faced before his arrival, noting that no superintendent had stayed for more than a year in over two decades. His tenure, now in its fifth year, has brought much-needed stability, allowing the district to implement major changes. Brent emphasizes that these changes began with building trust.

Building Trust and Attracting Talent

Brent explains that when people are in survival mode, it’s hard to achieve anything substantial. His priority was to strengthen trust within the community, which started with assembling a strong leadership team. He focused on hiring excellent teachers and leaders, one way being through competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, Brent led the district in passing a bond to build a 64-unit apartment complex where teachers can live and build stronger relational trust with one another.

Childcare Initiatives