Spotlight

Kelvin Gragg, Superintendent, Dumas School District says “I am very proud of every employee of the Dumas School District for the work he and she are doing to make this a successful start to the school year: Everyone has made my job much easier than it would normally be.”

One year ago, Kelvin’s older son retired from professional football and was trying to decide a career path. Kelvin simply shared with his son what his grandfather shared with him and that was to find a path in life that you enjoy and where you can help someone better himself or herself. Kelvin said, “Isn’t that what we all want to do, help students better themselves?” He found his calling, and it was to be in education. He would share this same advice with anyone— find a path in life that you enjoy and one where you can help people better themselves. His son is now coaching at the University of Memphis.

Kelvin was one of the few that found his calling early on. All of his role models have been teachers and coaches. He knew after his playing days, he would be a teacher and a coach. His grandparents were educators as well, and each taught for over forty years. He had the privilege of being in his grandmother’s third grade class. From that moment forward, he knew he wanted to be in education.

Kelvin’s first job out of school was teaching social studies and coaching football at Monticello High School. After three years at Monticello, he moved to McGehee where he taught civics and coached football. He was fortunate enough to be part of two championship football teams there. After those two years, he moved to Warren where he spent the next twelve years teaching, coaching, and getting his first taste of administration. He serves as the dean of students for three years. In 2000, he moved into administration full time. He has served as a principal in Newport, Dumas, Crossett and Pine Bluff. In 2012, he was given the opportunity to serve as superintendent in the Dermott School District. In 2014, he moved to Dumas and has been there ever since.

After many years in education his favorite thing about his job is developing relationships with young people. He is constantly being approached by young men and women who he has taught over the years. He doesn't always remember their names, but they remember him; and many share stories of their past and how they appreciate the guidance he provided them. He says, “There is no amount of money that can replace that feeling.” Dr. Tony Thurman, Cabot School District Superintendent, always introduces him as his 10 th grade history teacher. That introduction and connection make him very proud of Dr. Thurman and their relationship.

As he continues to impact the lives of students, they continue to impact his. He says, “ What amazes me the most is how resilient students are. Many times, we are the ones who create obstacles that our students must overcome. Our students want to do right. All we have to do is get out of the way and let them be successful.”

He wants to be remembered as someone who served children with fairness and honesty. More importantly, he wants to be remembered as a devoted husband, a doting father, and a faithful friend whose word was his bond.

What are your goals?

“To improve my craftsmanship. I want to be a better superintendent tomorrow than I was today. I want to be a role model for young minority administrators who look like me.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself working just as hard five years from now, with the same passion that I have today. I love what I do and where I’m working. Hopefully, the Lord will see fit to keep me productive and helping kids.

How would your coworkers describe you?

They would describe me as an individual who is fair and one who puts students first.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

Teaching American History and coaching football at some high school.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I rode the Dragon Tail in the rain, 318 curves in 11 miles.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

The single proudest thing my wife and I have done is to raise two outstanding young men. Each night, I thank God for placing my wife in my life and for blessing us with two young men who have done nothing but make us proud. The accolades I garner from my job are important to me professionally. However, nothing compares to the family God has given me.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

For the past 15 years, we have traveled the Southeastern and Northeastern part of the United States, watching our sons play college and professional football. I am looking forward to riding my Harley and spending some time at Lake Chicot, catching some crappie and bream.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I would love to ride my Harley to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; and I would love to visit Mount Rushmore.