Intro by King Musa
"Yo, you know what it is! It’s your man, King Musa, and welcome to The Cheat Sheet, where we decode success with leaders, educators, and innovators shaping their fields.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Gabe Trujillo, Superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD. With decades of experience and a passion for fostering growth, Dr. Trujillo is here to share insights on leadership, student engagement, and building strong connections with the community. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know Dr. Gabe Trujillo
King Musa: "Welcome, Dr. Trujillo! Can you share a bit about your background and journey to becoming a superintendent?"
Dr. Gabe Trujillo: "Thank you for having me! I’m a military brat—I grew up all over due to my dad’s service, but I settled in Roswell, New Mexico, after his retirement. I’ve been in education for over 30 years, working in West Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and now here in Nacogdoches. This is my fifth year as superintendent, and it’s been an incredible journey."
KM: "What drew you to Nacogdoches?"
GT: "It was the opportunity to serve in a community that values education and has a rich history. My predecessor, Alton Frailey, spoke highly of Nacogdoches, and when the position opened, I knew this was where I could make a difference."
Leadership and Educational Philosophy
KM: "What values drive your leadership style?"
GT: "I believe every child has potential, regardless of their circumstances. It’s our job to tap into that potential by creating opportunities for them to thrive. Leadership is about serving others, building relationships, and fostering a culture of growth."
KM: "How do you approach challenges in education, such as those posed by COVID-19?"
GT: "COVID reshaped our perspective on education. It emphasized the importance of relationships and adaptability. We had to address connectivity issues, provide devices, and support students in ways we hadn’t before. It taught us the value of community collaboration and creative problem-solving."
Community Engagement and Building Connections
KM: "You’ve emphasized connecting with the community. How does that shape your approach?"
GT: "It’s vital. I visit local businesses, attend community events, and even have informal gatherings, like pláticas with Hispanic families, to listen and learn. These connections help us understand the community’s needs and ensure our schools are aligned with their expectations."
KM: "What role does storytelling play in your vision for Nacogdoches ISD?"
GT: "We need to tell our story—celebrating successes and highlighting the amazing work happening in our schools. When people see the positive impact we’re making, it builds trust and fosters stronger partnerships."
Fostering Student Success
KM: "What’s your vision for student success, and how do you support it?"
GT: "It’s about providing opportunities for every student, from pre-K to high school. Whether it’s dual credit courses, career and technical education programs, or extracurricular activities like ROTC and fine arts, we want students to graduate prepared for college, careers, or entrepreneurship."
KM: "How do you encourage students to explore their passions?"
GT: "We ask students what excites them and work to provide those opportunities. It’s about helping them discover their career paths, whether in trades, academics, or the arts. The key is engagement—students thrive when they’re involved and invested."
Advice for Future Leaders and Educators
KM: "What advice would you give to educators or aspiring leaders?"
GT: "Focus on relationships. Whether with students, staff, or the community, strong connections are the foundation of success. Also, embrace challenges and never stop learning—growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Trujillo, thank you for sharing your insights and passion for education with us today.
To all our listeners, remember that education is about opportunities, connections, and fostering growth. Let’s take Dr. Trujillo’s advice to heart—build relationships, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence. Subscribe to The Cheat Sheet for more inspiring conversations, and stay connected with us on social media. Until next time, stay inspired and stay successful!"
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