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. Meet Lorie Squalls, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
Since 2024, Lorie Squalls has served as chief academic officer in Royse City ISD, coming from Richardson ISD, where she previously worked as an area superintendent. Since joining RCISD, Squalls has stood out as an inspiring leader to her peers, including Tyisha Nelson, senior executive director of federal programs and strategic initiatives in the district.
“Dr. Squalls has been instrumental in fostering our growth as leaders,” Nelson says. “Through consistent support and insightful coaching, she empowers us to exceed our potential.”
Squalls is proud of her new district, especially the way all staff is dedicated to providing the best possible education experiences to Royse City students.
“I am exceptionally proud of our CTE programming and our recent designation as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career & Technical Association of Texas,” she says. “This designation demonstrates our commitment to inspire, prepare, and empower students to be college, career, and future-ready by providing a variety of opportunities for students to explore various industries to help them make informed decisions about their future.”
To Nelson, Squalls inspires others by leading by example and keeping her expecting the best from herself and others.
“Her commitment to setting high expectations, coupled with the ability to pose thought-provoking questions, cultivates critical thinking and innovation,” Nelson says. “Notably, her dedication to ‘walking the walk’ serves as a powerful example, inspiring us to uphold the highest standards of leadership in all our pursuits.”
Mentorship and collaboration are important to Squalls in her work. She says that focusing on partnership and community creates a crucial support system for leadership teams, offering a “safe space,” building trust and reducing isolation.
“Collaborating with other administrators is beneficial because we all learned from shared expertise and collective wisdom,” she says. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we create a space where leaders can share their perspective, wisdom, and experiences — both challenges and successes, while also exploring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This exchange of knowledge strengthens our collective capacity to use challenges as learning opportunities.”
When the going gets tough, Squall stays committed to her work by the power of her deep belief in the importance of public education.
“I believe that public education is the cornerstone of a just and thriving society. At the heart of that belief is this: Every child has something to contribute to this world and every child is capable of learning and growing. Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a quality education. The words of John Lewis echo in my heart: ‘If not us, then who? If not now, then when?’ This is our moment to stand up, to fight for every child, and to ensure that public education remains a source of hope and opportunity for all.”
If you’d like to nominate an Inspiring Leader, complete and submit this form.
MEET MORE INSPIRING LEADERS
