Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie will receive the 2007 George H. and Gwyn Brownlee Memorial Leadership Award from the Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (Texas ASCD.) The award recognizes and celebrates educators who show exemplary leadership in the areas of curriculum, assessment, professional development and instruction.  Dr. Henrie is the 22nd recipient of this award, which will be presented at the Texas ASCD’s Annual Conference in Ft. Worth October 13-16.

"Dr. Linda Henrie has uncompromising commitment to quality education for children.  She serves as a benchmark of educational leadership for educators and is very deserving of the Brownlee Leadership Award," said Dr. Yolanda M. Rey, Executive Director of Texas ASCD.

Dr. Linda Henrie began her career with Mesquite ISD as a business teacher at Mesquite High School.  Prior to assuming the role of Superintendent on July 1, 2005, Dr. Henrie served as deputy superintendent for four years and in other administrative positions for 15 years.  She has been with the Mesquite Independent School District for 35 years.

Dr. Henrie’s strong instructional leadership has had a positive impact on student learning in Mesquite ISD.  As a superintendent in a district with over 36,000 students, she remains intensely involved in curricular and instructional issues that directly affect student achievement.  Her leadership provides focus and direction to curriculum and teaching, establishing conditions that support teachers and help children succeed. She understands the difference between leadership and management.  While she finds time for both, her heart and her direction remain focused on teaching and learning. Through her collaborative efforts, Dr. Henrie has led the district toward the articulation of a well thought-out vision:  Quest for Excellence - Success for All Students.  This vision fosters a shared belief among all members of the Mesquite school community and ensures that everything that happens in the district is shaped by that vision.

Dr. Henrie’s active involvement in professional activities allows her to stay current in the areas of curriculum and instruction.  She is an active member in various organizations including Texas Association of School Administrators and Mesquite Education Association.  She serves on numerous civic and professional boards.  She has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by Texas A&M Commerce, where she serves as an alumni ambassador, and was named the WISE Award Recipient in 2007 by the Women in Service and Enterprise in Mesquite.

Founded in 1947, Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (Texas ASCD) is a non-profit organization committed to improving teaching and learning for the success of all learners. It has a diverse membership of approximately 2,000 superintendents, principals, teachers, curriculum directors, staff developers, students and professors.  Texas ASCD is a state affiliate of International ASCD.  This award is named for George and Gwyn Brownlee.  These two educators had a long history of service to Texas ASCD during the 1970s and 1980s, both serving as its executive director and making tremendous contributions to the success of the organization.