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 Robert Bayard, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
In Clear Creek ISD, Robert Bayard sits in the chief technology officer’s seat. An innovator in the field of education, Bayard has worked to keep the district on top of new technology, increasing connectivity in the district, installing new phone systems and administering a 1:1 laptop program for CCISD students. He’s dedicated to his district, and he’s proud of its collaborative culture.
“[In CCISD] every voice matters — from students, staff, parents, board members, and community partnerships — to make a positive difference in the lives of students each and every day,” Bayard says. “That vulnerability and willingness to listen, support and work together creates a magical culture where we all want to belong.”
Bayard is enthusiastic about the work he does for the district, and his peers say his enthusiasm helps inspires others and nurtures strong relationships among staff.
“Dr. Bayard helps his team to strive for success through mentoring and training sessions on various software applications to enable the team to perform their jobs more efficiently,” says Jennifer Pias, technology finance
manager in the district. “He overcomes difficult situations by learning what works well and doesn’t work well and adjusts where needed.”
Education technology is an ever-changing field, with a potential for challenges that require extensive troubleshooting, problem-solving and seemingly endless paperwork. Bayard says that he focuses on keeping a positive attitude when issues arise, making sure to laugh with and support his colleagues, something he says fuels his own drive to keep on keeping on.
“I’m motivated by daily opportunities to reflect on, learn from, and improve upon every challenge and experience, whether positive or negative,” Bayard says. “When we do our best, and strive to do better, we can accomplish almost anything, and that brings me personal fulfillment.”
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed in the district.
“Dr. Bayard has a gift for handling critical situations, learning from adversity, and setting a positive path to move forward,” says CCISD Network Architect Reginald Johnson. “On a daily basis, his demeanor influences those around him to open their minds and consider new and alternative ways to interact and learn.”
Since joining TASA, Bayard has helped create the district’s Community-Based Accountability System through the district’s participation in the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium, working to design alternative accountability systems that are tailored to individual school districts’ needs.
Those efforts are already starting to make a difference, as more Texas school districts implement these community-based assessments. “My favorite aspect of TASA is being part of a network of professionals who all want to improve public education for the 5.4 million students in the state of Texas,” Bayard says. “This network has blessed me with the opportunity to learn from, network with and become friends with some of the brightest educators in the state.”
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