A pair of colorful socks catch the eye as the superintendent monopolizes the room with his fast-paced replies. The future of the district lies in the hands of a man that has a real passion for helping students and creating the best possible learning environment.

The 2016-2017 school year is Dr. Bret Champion’s first year as the new superintendent of the Klein district. Along with his cabinet, a group of highly dedicated individuals who reside as heads of departments such as learning and finance, and seven board members, Dr. Champion hopes to help students and teachers alike.

“Every student enters with a promise and exits with a purpose,” Dr. Champion said. “It’s our job to make sure our students are prepared for the future they have chosen. This isn’t just my vision, but Klein ISD’s vision for itself.”

The superintendent believes that district should have clear documents about our values as a school system as well as opportunities for students to explore career options at the high school level. Dr. Champion has visited many of the Klein campuses to share his vision for the district and get teachers motivated to make a change.

“My tasks on a daily basis keep me on the ball constantly,” Dr. Champion said. “No day is quite the same and it’s one of the reasons why I love this job so much already.”

Not only does Dr. Champion attend daily meetings with other members of the district to make improvements, but he often visits campuses to interact with students and teachers. Once a month, Dr. Champion meets with all of the principals to find out the unique situations of each school and talk about possible problems and improvements.

“When I started out as a teacher, I really felt that I didn’t do enough for my first class,” Dr. Champion said. “I have a picture of them in my office to remind me of my goals and keep me motivated.”

Before coming to Klein ISD, Dr. Champion spent 23 years working for Leander ISD as a teacher, principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. He has taught elementary through high school during his time as a teacher. When asked of a mentor to him during his career as an educator, Champion said Tom Glenn, the former superintendent at Leander, was one of his main inspirations to become a superintendent.

“I felt humble, excited, and a little scared after being elected as superintendent,” Dr. Champion said. “I couldn’t wait to work for a district with so much potential, motivated staff, and aspiring students.”

One of Champion’s first big initiatives was the first Pathways Summit held on January 21 from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Klein ISD Teaching and Learning Center to introduce the district to Dr. Champion’s plans for the coming school years. All students and staff were invited to attend the summit.

“I want students to know that all of the school leaders are in it for them,” Dr. Champion said. “I want them to know that their voice truly matters.”