thought they were too old to get their master’s, and I’ve told them that if it’s something they want, they should go get it.” By modeling this philosophy, Dr. Gee reinforces a district culture that values growth, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence at every stage of life. THE HEART OF THE WORK When reflecting on what keeps her motivated, Dr. Devlin’s answer is immediate and heartfelt.“The kids. Seeing them walk across the stage at graduation is why we do this work,” she says. From the first day of pre-K to the final moments of senior year, Kennedale ISD’s mission is to provide a safe, structured environment that nurtures every student’s potential. giving our staff more opportunity for a mental break,” Dr. Gee says.“Five straight days of school, followed by two days to get everything else done, doesn’t leave much time to recharge.” LEADING BY EXAMPLE Dr. Gee leads by example when it comes to continuous learning.“I just finished my doctorate two years ago at 58 years old,” he says. “I believe very strongly in lifelong learning. We are never too old to challenge ourselves and take on new challenges.” It’s a mindset he works to instill in his staff, encouraging them to pursue further education and professional growth. “We’ve had employees who 350 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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