IISD invites community in

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer    
    “Jim Green loves the kids, but he expects them to behave.”
    “Mr. [Caleb] McCain is perfect for the junior high. The kids love him. He takes care of things.”
    “Kim Schaefer is dynamite in a small package. She brings a spark to everything she does.”
    “Mrs. [Cynthia] Adams – I respected her the first time I met her.”
    To listen to Tony Williams, Industrial ISD’s superintendent, talk about the IISD staff is to understand that community, working together, and respect for one another is a huge part of the formula that makes the district successful.
     Several Industrial ISD parents are getting a front row view of  teachers working together with each other, administrators and the rest of IISD to make the best education possible for the students entrusted to them. The program is called Cobra Community Connection, and it invites community members into the world not often seen by parents – the classrooms, the administration offices, even the bus barn.  
    The group of five parents began by hearing a brief history of how Industrial Independent School district came to be, notable alumni, and buildings no longer on the map.  High School Principal Jim Green recounted his own family’s history in the district, and Board Member Delano Kinsfather made an appearance.
    Afterwards, they toured each campus in Vanderbilt, beginning with the Elementary East Campus. Followed by the Junior High, and the High School. Everything from the lesson plans to what was – and in some cases wasn’t – hanging on the walls was explained and discussed. Future sessions will explore the maintenance department, the West campus in Inez, and more.
    The Cobra Community Connection is a monthly meeting, to be continued on Friday, Oct. 22.