TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Frank Alfaro, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
In Alamo Heights ISD, Dr. Frank Alfaro serves as assistant superintendent for administrative services, and those who work with him say that his dedication to leadership helps inspire them.
“There is no challenge that Frank cannot solve,” says Dana Bashara, superintendent in the district. “His support for me personally as well as our entire administrative team is so appreciated. I’m incredibly grateful he shares his talents with us in AHISD.”
What makes Alfaro proud of his district is the way AHISD functions as a pillar of the local community.
“Many of our parents and grandparents attended Alamo Heights and their own children represent several generations of families who have chosen to make this community their home, in large part because of our schools, our tradition of excellence, and our focus on the well-being of all children,” he says. “As a community, we see all children as our children. We celebrate each other’s victories, and we come together to support each other during times of challenge.”
As a leader, Alfaro says that being of service to others helps keep him going when the work gets challenging. When he struggles with motivation, he finds his spirits lifted when he is able to help a coworker or district parent with something that is important to them.
“Leadership, when done well, isn’t about you; it is about those you serve,” Alfaro says. “There may be certain things that only you can do for the organization, as the leader, and each leader certainly has personal strengths that make them unique. In the final analysis, however, my role as a leader is to serve the larger group and the greater good.”
To Alfaro, mentorship and support are key components of leadership. He says that he loves to help others maximize their own strengths and bring forth their unique skills to allow them to have the most impact on their schools.
“This is challenging work,” Alfaro says. “To be effective as a whole, we need each individual to contribute their unique talents. There is gold in each of us, and that gold might look different from one person to another,
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