The McMinnville School Board has selected Debbie I. Brockett to serve as the next superintendent of the district, beginning July 1. Brockett replaces Dr. Maryalice Russell who will retire this June.
Brockett comes from Clark County School District in Las Vegas. She is currently a Region Superintendent overseeing 108 PreK-12 schools, two Career Technical academies, a virtual learning academy and several magnet programs.
Brockett started her career as a special education teacher before moving into administration. She has served as dean of students, assistant principal, and principal at both the junior high and high school levels. While serving at Las Vegas High School, she redesigned the Career Pathway program, increased the number of accelerated courses and moved the graduation rate from 62 to 93 percent.
She also developed and led the only vertically aligned middle and high school program in the district and decreased behavior issues by 84 percent in the lower grades through Positive Behavior Interventions.
“We interviewed some very strong candidates,” said Larry Vollmer, board chair. “Ms. Brockett’s forward-thinking vision and her clear leadership qualities were evident. We believe she will be able to build upon our current successes and continue the growth and improvement of our district.”
“What intrigued me about McMinnville is that I could see their success has been about continually improving daily instructional practices,” said Brockett. “That resonates with me because I understand the most impactful part of education is having strong teachers and continually working to improve on the structures that are showing improvement in student outcomes. I plan to stand alongside the district leaders and work to expand the positive impact they are having in schools.”
Brockett will move to McMinnville with her husband Craig. Their younger daughter, Lexia, graduated from college last spring, and their older daughter, Kali, is teaching special education in northern Nevada.
The selection comes after a national search led by Human Capital Enterprises (HCE). The process included a leadership assessment conducted by HCE derived from a wide range of individual interviews, focus groups and an online survey open to staff, parents and the community. A stakeholder panel of eight met with finalists and provided the board with feedback with their opinions on each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the board offered the position to Brockett and voted to ratify her contract at a special meeting of the board held March 29.
March 29, 2021