Meet Your Leadership: Deputy Superintendent Chase Park
![Chase Park and Daughter On the Sidelines]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790258478/southlakecarrolledu/sdi32s75y6rewfjrkcxi/CPFootballSideline.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790258478/southlakecarrolledu/sdi32s75y6rewfjrkcxi/CPFootballSideline.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790258478/southlakecarrolledu/sdi32s75y6rewfjrkcxi/CPFootballSideline.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1790258478/southlakecarrolledu/sdi32s75y6rewfjrkcxi/CPFootballSideline.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790258478/southlakecarrolledu/sdi32s75y6rewfjrkcxi/CPFootballSideline.jpg","width":1440}])
Meet Your Leadership: Deputy Superintendent Chase Park
In the first of our "Meet Your Leadership" series, we do a little Q & A with Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park, who is going on his third year with the District.
Get to know Mr. Park below!
Tell us a little about your background and your path in education. What ultimately led you to Carroll ISD?
CP: My career path and background has been a little unconventional, which I believe has been a real benefit throughout my career progression. I started off my career in various fast-paced roles as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, then continued my public service as an Internal Auditor for the City of Dallas before transitioning into public education. I continued my governmental auditor journey at Dallas ISD before transitioning into the Finance Director role at Highland Park ISD, and each of these roles taught me something more about leadership and public service along the way.
I was immediately drawn to Carroll ISD because of the district’s incredibly high expectations and tradition of excellence in every measure of the district. I wanted to be in a community that cares deeply about its schools and expects to win at everything. I believed this was a place where I could utilize my finance and operational background to help the district really hone in on preserving the things that make Carroll great and making sure the teachers, staff, and students had the resources to continue achieving at the highest levels.
For someone who may not work with you regularly, how would you describe what you do as Deputy Superintendent?
CP: As the Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance, I handle mostly everything involving money, finances, facilities, and operations within the district. My ultimate mission is to ensure the district provides the appropriate resources to the people, programs, facilities, and opportunities that allow our students to achieve at the highest levels.
How would you describe your leadership style? Is there a principle, philosophy, or piece of advice that has shaped the way you lead?
CP: Throughout my career, I have always led with the principles and values inculcated in me by the United States Army. Their core values spell out the acronym LDRSHIP: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage.
These seven values are applicable in any leadership setting, but are especially meaningful in public service. No matter what the task or challenge is, I always try to stay true to these values as I serve our community’s families and steward their valuable taxpayer dollars.
What do you love most about being a Dragon? What has stood out to you about Carroll ISD and this community?
CP: This community knows how to win and protect the Dragon tradition. There is a special pride about being a Dragon and knowing that everyone in the State wants to try and beat you. The community has incredibly high expectations, and the students are supported exceptionally well. Whether it is athletics, academics, or fine arts, the students represent at the highest level each and every day.
What is something you hope to accomplish or help move forward in Carroll ISD this school year?
CP: I truly appreciate this Board's emphasis on shifting the district’s mindset from being reactionary to deficit budgets due to declining enrollment and other factors, to positioning the district to make proactive decisions about how we are strategically investing our resources to maximize the benefit for each of our students. I am also looking forward to celebrating the final year of our beloved intermediate schools and introducing a fantastic new model that will be very beneficial for our students and community.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
CP: I am a thrill seeker and sports junkie. I enjoy running, cycling, and playing golf. If you need a 4th to complete your tee time, I’m your guy!
When you aren't working, what are you most likely to be doing?
CP: I’ll most likely be coaching my daughters’ volleyball, basketball, or softball teams! If I’m not coaching, hopefully I’ll be working on my golf game.
What's something you're really into right now?
CP: Witnessing my 1st and 4th grade girls grow and develop so fast right now.
If you suddenly had an entire day with absolutely nothing on your calendar, how would you spend it?
CP: Golfing and watching UT Football.
What's one thing that can almost always put you in a good mood?
CP: A realized surplus budget and unmodified opinion on our governmental audit report.
What is your favorite leadership book? Favorite book to read for pleasure?
CP: Angela Duckworth – Grit, and almost any Malcolm Gladwell book.
What is your favorite food?
CP: Good pizza.
You can often be seen on the sidelines of a variety of Dragon sports or activities, cheering our students on. What's your favorite thing about seeing our students play and perform?
CP: The incredible talent on display by our student-athletes and student performers. We are here because of the students, and their success on the field, court, or stage means we are doing something right as an administration.