A chat with Frisco principals: meet Heritage High’s Katey Gray

Frisco’s 72 principals have a lot on their agendas as they juggle booming enrollment and academic programs that help make FISD an “A” district.

The district adds nearly 3,000 students a year and currently has around 7,000 teachers and staff.

Being a principal doesn’t seem like an easy job. But they say that does not deter them from their ultimate goal: making an impact in their students’ lives.

We asked Frisco’s principals what brings them joy about education and about the impact of FISD’s growth and mission.

Some shared how they lean on other campus leaders in the district to share strategies and ideas for their schools amidst rapid growth.

Others note the impact of FISD’s mission “to know every student by name and need” and how it can be best achieved by being visible for all students and building strong relationships with them.

Here’s what Frisco’s principals had to say:

Name: Katey Gray

Hometown: Grants, N.M. for the first part of my life and Florissant, Mo. for the later part of my life.

Campus: Heritage High School

Favorite childhood television show or movie: Saved by the Bell

Favorite Frisco hangout: The ball field where I spend most of my personal time watching my daughter play sports

What was your favorite school memory from when you were a child?

Extracurricular activities. I loved being a part of the school culture. I loved pep rallies, games and spirit weeks. I think it is so important for students to find a place where they feel connected to their school. Frisco’s small-school model increases the opportunities for more students to be involved in more things. We also had over 70 clubs on our campus last year. So even if sports and fine arts aren’t a good fit for students, there is something for everyone to get involved in and a way to feel connected.

How do you think Frisco’s rapid growth will impact its schools?

It forces our district to change quickly to respond to community needs. We are fortunate that we can add new resources to the district as we expand and grow, so our district can be on the leading edge of the changes in education. Our students have access to resources that will give them experiences to prepare them for their future. Our new schools are built to maximize the future readiness of our students.

What brings you the most joy in education?

I have always experienced the most joy in my interactions with students. I love watching them enjoy a lesson, achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle. But moving into the principal role, I have experienced a lot of joy in watching the growth of teachers. They are asked to do more and more each year. They must stay on top of the fast-changing technology and innovative teaching strategies. I am energized by their willingness to learn new things and to do everything in their power to help our students learn and grow.