Dr. Gloria J. Suggs Scott - Class of 1967

Dr. Scott - Superintendent of Schools

       Dr. Gloria S. Scott served as the superintendent of the north Forest Independent School District, the largest predominately African-American school system in Texas and the 63^rd largest school district in the state from 1996 until 2000.

       She is native of Durham, North Carolina and she holds a B. A. degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina; an M. A. from Howard University in Washington, D. C. and an Ed. D. from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, with a specialization in educational administration and supervision and a minor in curriculum.

       As CEO of North Forest ISD, Dr. Scott, who was one of only 81 women chief administrators and only thirteen African-American superintendents, among the some 1046 school districts in Texas, oversaw a budget in excess of $80 million and supervised a staff of some 1600. She was the first woman to serve as superintendent of the school district.

       Dr. Scott began her career as a teacher in Norwalk, Connecticut, and she joined the North Forest ISD as a music teacher in 1976. Quickly recognized as an outstanding educational leader, she was promoted to administrative assistant for personnel in 1980—just four years after joining the NFISD staff. She continued her ascension through the ranks in 1983 when she was named assistant superintendent fro personnel, a post she held until 1988.

      In 1988, Dr. Scott served as interim superintendent, helping to restore stability and credibility to the system as it struggled to regain full Texas Education Agency (TEA) accreditation. Also in 1988, Dr. Scott was named assistant superintendent for personnel and administration; and, in 1991, she was named deputy superintendent for personnel and administration.

      The African proverb: “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” reflects Dr. Scott’s belief in the importance of the entire community’s involvement in educating a child. Her educational philosophy is simple but profound: “teaching is reaching and reaching is teaching.” Her commitment to children is unwavering: “An educator’s first responsibility is to the students.”

     During her second year as NFISD superintendent, Dr. Scott, along with the board of trustees, led the district to the passage of the largest bond election in its history- a $41 million referendum, which enabled the school system to construct four new replacement schools. During her third year as superintendent, she worked with the board and the community to pass yet another bond election for $41 million.  Her efforts resulted in the most extensive facilities improvement in the history in the district.

     As a member of a select group of exemplary superintendents who were given an opportunity for self-renewal and skill enhancement, Dr. Scott was a participant in the 1998-99 Superintendent Academy sponsored by Lamar University and the Texas Education Agency with training support from IBM. Selection to the Academy is competitive, with approximately 125 superintendents from across the state nominated each year for only 40 Academy scholarships.

    Dr. Scott is the recipient of numerous professional awards. She was featured as Educator of the Moth in the Texas School Business magazine in 1990; also in 1990 she was honored by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus for her outstanding contribution to education. Dr. Scott received the 1998 Crystal Award and designation as a Woman of Distinction by the Houston NewsPages and she appeared on the cover of “Educational Pathways” magazine, also in 1998.

    She is affiliated with the National Association of School Personnel Administrators, the Texas Council of Women School Executives, and both the national, the Texas and the Houston Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Scott serves on the board of directors for the Harris County Hospital District Foundation, Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas and the Ensemble Theater. Also, she served on the board of directors of the North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce.

    In her spare time dr. Scott enjoys reading historical books, playing classical piano music, shopping for bargains, listening to all kinds of music, golfing, and fishing. Dr. Scott is an educational innovator and a courageous proponent of children.   

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