With the second Texas Education Human Resources Day on the horizon, we wanted to interview some veteran HR administrators to get their take on their work, the important role that school HR departments play, and how their departments have changed since they started.
The three we spoke with all described their time in HR as a bit of a detour from their original career path, but one that they don’t regret taking.
When did you start in HR?
In July of 2003.
How did you get into the field?
I began in HR when the new superintendent asked me to take this position.
Was it something you aspired to for a long time or a career surprise?
I would consider this a career surprise. However, I knew it would help me in reaching my ultimate goal of becoming a superintendent.
How has the HR Department changed since you got your start?
The HR Department has changed a great deal. Most if not all processes in the department are automated, including the substitute system and job applications. Legislation has resulted in numerous changes this year. There are also generational changes to consider: we have to talk to new hires about different things when they come into the educational workplace.
What things are you responsible for now that you weren’t responsible for years ago?
Since 2004, I’ve been responsible for administering federal programs with the support of a director and other HR staff. Hereford ISD’s HR Department is also in charge of curriculum, which is where I worked for three years prior to entering HR. Our HR department is also responsible for staff development.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love working with first-year teachers. I love seeing all staff have the opportunity to grow professionally, including our auxiliary staff.
What's your least favorite part of the job?
I dislike having to counsel people who need to consider other career opportunities; and also terminating an employee.
To what do you credit your durability in the field?
First and foremost my faith in God and doing what is right for kids, plus the support of my family and our staff at Hereford ISD, our superintendent and assistant superintendent for support services. Last but certainly not least, the support of TASPA (the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators) and its members.
What advice would you offer to a new HR administrator today?
Join TASPA and seek a regional support network. TASPA can assist with this.
Blankenship is TASPA's current president. Hereford ISD is located in the Texas Panhandle and serves about 4,200 students.
When did you start in HR?
In March of 1986 in Aldine ISD
How did you get into the field?
While I was serving as an elementary assistant principal in the district, the deputy superintendent called me to his office and told me that a director of personnel position was open and suggested that I apply. I applied and was fortunate enough to be selected for the job. I am now in my 26th year and love every minute of it.
Was it something you aspired to for a long time or a career surprise?
It was a career surprise. I was always interested in being a campus administrator but had not really thought about personnel administration even though I interviewed job candidates and made hiring recommendations. In spite of not having aspired to a job in HR, I have never regretted accepting the challenge. It has been my most rewarding job.
How has the HR Department changed since you got your start?
The first notable change is the name of the department, which was called the Personnel Department at that time.
Certainly, the size and scope of the department have grown over the years. When I started, there were two professionals; now there are nine. The benefits staff has been part of the HR Department for some time now. For many years, we only hired applicants who were traditionally trained through a college or university teacher education program. It is just as common now to have a large applicant pool of alternatively trained applicants.
Finally, when I started in HR, there were usually several times during the year when the pace of the department was a little slow. There is no “down time” now. Something is going on almost every minute of every day.
What things are you responsible for now that you weren’t responsible for years ago?
Even though the benefits area is not a major responsibility of mine, I do have to be knowledgeable enough about them to answer questions from employees or students when I’m on recruiting trips. Because of NCLB, it is crucial to monitor both the certification and highly-qualified status of teachers (which don’t always align).
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is meeting new people and seeing individuals that I have had a part in hiring become successful. I also enjoy the fact that even after 25 years in HR, I continue to grow professionally because things are always changing.
What’s your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is terminating someone who failed to meet district expectations after the big investment we have made.
To what do you credit your durability in the field?
I credit my durability to the passion for what I do, the people with whom I have worked over the years, and the belief that I make a difference on a daily basis.
What advice would you offer to a new HR administrator today?
I think first and foremost, I would advise new HR administrators to treat people with dignity in spite of what they do or say. Even when you are disciplining or terminating an employee, you can treat them with dignity.
Because people are going to bring their emotions into situations, I would also say not to take things personally. Most often people just need someone to listen to their concerns. Their venting is not directed at you.
Next, I would advise them not to be afraid to ask questions and to build a network of experienced HR administrators to whom they can turn for help. Having that support system is an invaluable resource.
Finally, I would encourage them to join the local, state, and national personnel associations. These organizations provide resources to keep professionals abreast of relevant issues and provide valuable networking opportunities at a moment’s notice.
Durley is the winner of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators’ Personnel Administrator of the Year Award. Aldine ISD is located in Houston and serves more than 62,000 students.
When did you start in HR?
In 1988, as a personnel director for Houston ISD
How did you get into the field?
I was in a doctoral program with administrators from Houston ISD who saw my performance and thought I would add value to the district. Also, I held a master's degree in counseling which they thought would be beneficial in human resources.
Was it something you aspired to for a long time or a career surprise?
I had a career goal to become a school administrator but never specifically considered human resources. It was truly serendipitous and turned out to be the best fit of all the administrative jobs that I could hold: searching for talent and serving schools. The school business is the people business.
How has the HR Department changed since you got your start?
There are layers of bureaucracy that have been added to almost everything. There are also more detailed rules and federal and state regulations to comply with. Plus, the whole educational field seems to have become more litigious.
On the day-to-day operations, we do so much more with computers and on line. The application process, data processing, and tracking of reports have all been streamlined.
What things are you responsible for now that you weren’t responsible for years ago?
HR has always been the department that wears the multiple hats in the organization. Again, state and federal laws have added so many regulations that cover every aspect of the employment process.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The biggest source of enjoyment has always been making that “fit” between an eager applicant and a searching supervisor. When the needs of both are met, it’s like being the professional “nice guy.” That part of the job has great intrinsic reward and provides enjoyment as you build relationships with people you have helped in their career.
What’s your least favorite part of the job?
While it is necessary to counsel people out of education when their performance is not adding value to the organization or specifically to student achievement, that process is fraught with uncomfortable emotions. Termination proceedings are often filled with high emotions and broken dreams. It has always been a difficult thing to guide someone out of a position that they have prepared for most of their adult life.
To what do you credit your durability in the field?
Texas has a very supportive network of human resource administrators. The collegial sharing and help has always been outstanding. There have been a number of great mentors who have provided experience and help to guide me to make informed decisions. Some of the smartest people who also have a great outlook on life have chosen this field and working with them has helped me to continue.
One of the key factors in longevity is to have a high tolerance for ambiguity. Anyone who needs closure or a black or white decision-making process doesn’t do as well in the HR field.
What advice would you offer to a new HR administrator today?
A few quick pieces of advice that I have found to be helpful to new administrators are these: They got to where they are by being themselves. I tell them to not “try to be” an HR administrator, or principal, or whatever, but to continue to be the same person and realize that they really don’t have much more authority, just more responsibility. Also, I tell them to always gather as much information as they can prior to making a decision. If you only have 20 minutes, spend the first 15 gathering data so you gain as much understanding as you can. Finally, it is absolutely okay to change your decision if you gain more meaningful information about the issue.
Molinoski is a member of the HR Services Large District Advisory Group. Ysleta ISD is located in El Paso, Texas, and serves nearly 45,000 students.
