Q&A
WITH FBISD BOARD PRESIDENT
GRAYLE JAMES AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What was life like for you as a child growing up? GRAYLE JAMES: I grew up in California where my family has farmed since the 1850s. My mother worked on the farm and everyday I would accompany her to work. When I started school, she went to work while I was at school and then would pick me up after school and take me with her back to work. I learned to appreciate hard work, completing the job you are given, and the loyalty of my family to the family business. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What did you dream of becoming as you were a child growing up? GRAYLE JAMES: When I was growing up, I dreamed of working in an office and not on a farm! When I had the chance to go to college, I didn't know what I wanted to study. I especially remember telling my mother I didn't want to be a math teacher. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Did you achieve your childhood dream, or did it evolve into something different? GRAYLE JAMES: My childhood dream evolved because in my 20s I finished college and became a math teacher. I also taught science to high school students. I loved teaching and inspiring students to pursue their dreams. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your mission in life? GRAYLE JAMES: Currently, my life's mission is to be a supportive, loving wife and to raise my children with love and integrity. At the same time, I am devoted to helping every student in Fort Bend ISD reach their full potential. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have a recent accomplishment you would like to share? GRAYLE JAMES: In my role on the Fort Bend ISD School Board, I have participated in numerous accomplishments. School Board Trustees work as a team. We must work to build consensus on our path forward and have agreement in order to accomplish any goal. I have worked hard to facilitate our Board's team-building over the
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past year. As a result, we have hired Dr. Charles Dupre as superintendent of schools and he has demonstrated leadership, integrity and commitment to our students. Also. we have gotten voter approval for a $484 million Bond Package for FBISD. This will enable us to keep up with the growth in our community. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your outlook for 2015? GRAYLE JAMES: Looking ahead into 2015, our school district expects continued growth. We have a major project currently underway to align feeder patterns in our school system. We expect to complete this work in January. We also expect to open a new elementary school in 2015 and another in 2016. Additionally, the district will work to improve our technology infrastructure to facilitate the education of every student. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What advice would you give to someone out there striving to achieve their dream? GRAYLE JAMES: To those striving to achieve their dream, I would say, "Great job! The first step to achieving something remarkable is to have a dream." Next I would advise the following: a) Never give up! -Obstacles are part of life and are unavoidable. b) Don't be afraid of change! -Circumstances change, opportunities change, and life will change; As our perspectives change, we can learn and grow and achieve. If we "fight" change, we will always struggle. c) Be a problem solver! -When you encounter an obstacle, challenge it and conquer it. Always, think creatively and find solutions; Excuses are not a wise option because problems rarely go away by themselves. Problems need problem solvers to fix them!
ON THE COVER FBISD PRESIDENT GRAYLE JAMES – Grayle James currently serves as the President of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees.
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE -
INTERVIEW