Spearman ISD

Spearman ISD Announces James Layman, Superintendent of Schools Spearman ISD’s Board of Education hired James Layman at the April school board meeting for the superintendent position. James Layman has been the Spearman High School Principal for the past three years. Layman made the decision to go into education in 2014. “I made the transition from the private sector at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch where I was the Director of Environmental Health and Safety to education in 2014. Originally, my undergraduate degree was in Secondary Education, but due to my work schedule, I was not able to complete my student teaching through the program which forced me to switch to a General Studies Degree. In 2014, I made the decision to enter into the Alternative Certification program at West Texas A&M University and reached my goal of teaching and coaching. While at Boys Ranch, I taught at the alternative education facility as well as the high school, and coached three varsity sports throughout the year. In the summer of 2019, I began working on my principal certification through West Texas A&M University and graduated in December of 2020 with my masters in Educational Leadership, commented Layman. “In July of 2021, I was offered the high school principal position here at Spearman High School, and have worked for this district for the past three years. In May of 2023, I began working towards my superintendent certification at Lamar University and completed that program and testing requirements in February 2024, remarked Layman.” Educators set short-term goals and long-term goals every year. It can be daunting at times to be able to fulfill the many goals set on oneself. Layman shared, “The easiest way to inspire others to achieve their goals is to support and encourage them throughout the process. The drive behind achieving their goals needs to be based on their "Why" and not yours. If they don't have a personal connection to their goal, the likelihood of achieving it drops and makes it an obligation.” One goal Layman has during his first year as superintendent is to build community and public support. Layman commented, “Building community and public support is one of the greatest priorities of mine within my first year as superintendent, and one that I will continue to develop and prioritize during my tenure here at Spearman ISD. I believe one of the first and most efficient ways to build support within the community is to simply listen. While not everyone in the community is a teacher, they all play a pivotal role in raising the students of Spearman, so their voice deserves to be heard.” Layman continued,” As a district we involve community members, business representatives, parents, students, and district staff in evaluating and developing our district/campus goals. We have created several district committees for our constituents to participate in such as the Hispanic Community Advisory Council, the School Health Advisory Committee, Safety and Security Committee, and continue to survey parents each year. To expand the relationship of the school district with the community, I will continue to encourage our staff to find ways to give back to the community through their individual programs. We encourage community members, parent associations, local businesses, and alumni to reach out to the district and see how they can be involved. I know it sounds a little cliché, but the old saying, "It takes a village to raise a kid" is my foundational belief in regards to community and parent engagement with the school district.” Another goal Layman has in his first year as superintendent has to do with unifying the school and community. “My goal for my first year as Spearman ISD’s Superintendent is to continue to spread the message that a united community establishes the culture necessary to raise well-educated young men and women that will be ready to face the challenges of life. I want to work with the SISD Board of Trustees to evaluate the needs of the district through examining how we recruit and retain high-quality educators, as well as looking at the overall needs of the district while maintaining a balanced budget. The rural Texas school system has been tasked with providing more for our students now than ever. I want to meet those demands while also reflecting the culture and values of this great community,” explained Layman. Congratulations on being named Spearman ISD’s Superintendent of Schools!

12 months ago, Spearman ISD

Calling all LYNX grades 1st through 9th grade! 🏀

12 months ago, Spearman ISD

Jocelyn Hernandez won Best of Show at the OPSU Art Jubilee. Congratulations!!

12 months ago, Spearman ISD

Mrs. Cardenas’ Newcomers created mini piñatas with toilet paper rolls! Rogelio G. won the contest- a large pepperoni pizza! He created Sylvester Stallone! Congratulations, you did an outstanding job!

12 months ago, Spearman High School

ARETE BASKETBALL CAMP DETAILS -June 24-27 -Available for 1st-9th graders -Open to boys and girls More details can be found in the provided link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4gYX6iStPxZDqXSOTLkhq_NyDLxERkhYI3l6hr0D2Ud9y2w/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

12 months ago, Spearman High School

Mrs. Brandea Allen, we appreciate your generosity in treating our 2nd Graders to snow cones during yesterday's park visit. @TheSnowCo.

12 months ago, Gus Birdwell Elementary

If you have not had the opportunity to complete the parent and family engagement survey, your input would be greatly appreciated. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn4SpDXYTS5nrFbu7ey4MxCG8E63UT9lUs7dG6uyaTuD56Hg/viewform https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegNFz22gdttGcFUPKMki_Xn2gDWdqAMXedRw9ukijZCfvOJQ/viewform

12 months ago, Spearman ISD

Congratulations to all of our honor roll students for the 2023-2024 school year! Gus Birdwell Elementary will recognize students at an awards assembly on Wednesday, May 15th at the following times: 3rd-5th Grade-8:15am 1st and 2nd Grade-9:30am

12 months ago, GBE