Most people think a superintendent’s job is to make sure everything in all of the schools runs smoothly. But Doug Straley is more than just that. He cares for each student, staff, faculty and administrator. Straley makes a personal connection with each person, making sure they feel welcomed and valued.
“That’s what I wake up to do every day: is to come in and just be there for support,” Straley said.
In 2016, Straley became superintendent; before this, he was a teacher, coach, principal, athletic director and an assistant for the superintendent.
“I was blessed to have the opportunity to serve here for twenty nine years,” Straley said.
Straley is assigned with new tasks every day, whether it’s helping solve concerns or to find ways to foster growth.
“Being superintendent is a very stressful job,” Straley said.”However, it is enjoyable and rewarding as well.”
Straley doesn’t do all this work by himself. He has many people who support him including Dr.Justin Grigg, Dr.Carla Alpern and Mr.Andrew Woolfolk.
“It’s wonderful when you work with such great people and I’m surrounded with so many wonderful people which I get to work with every day,” Straley said.
Straley’s positive attitude and spirit for his community shines through and has an impact on the students, staff, faculty and administrative team.
“I would say that Mr.Straley embodies a sense of community for our school system,” biology teacher Winifred Pruden said.
Straley takes pride in the school system, setting the example and placing higher standards for the staff and students.
“We call it our journey to greatness,” Straley said. “We’ve got to work great in everything we do.”
Not only does Straley care about the school system, he also cares about bringing the community closer together. He does this by showing up at events and connecting with community members.
“As a highly respected, inspiring leader, he is the natural choice for our annual Leadership Louisa kickoff, motivating everyone to unlock their leadership capabilities both professionally and personally,” Chamber of Commerce executive director Tracy Clark said.
Community service is important to Straley because he feels that it teaches students responsibility and citizenship.
“One of our first division-wide Asynchronous Learning Day projects was our Community Clean-Up, and Mr. Straley was at the forefront of planning that entire event,” Woolfolk said.
Additionally,Straley makes sure that the students in the school know that it is important to be kind to one another. He orchestrated that by setting up kindness pep rallies for all the schools to participate in and coined the statement “it is cool to be kind”.
“He is very enthusiastic and inclusive with the schools and students, especially when it comes to being kind to one another,” sophomore Lillian Liles said. “he takes that very seriously.”
Most Valued Player(MVP) awards are given out weekly to community members, school staff and students; these are given to people that demonstrate positive attitudes that shine back on the community.
“Every Friday now for seven and a half years, I’ve gone out and recognized individuals that have been nominated by their peers or the community,” Straley said.
Straley’s care and compassion for the community is seen through his kindness campaign and the culture he has built within the school.
“Mr. Straley cares deeply about every student and staff member that walks through the door here in Louisa County, and it’s that type of authentic leadership that makes him one of the best leaders you’ll ever meet,” Woolfolk said.
