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A quick note to listeners:
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response.
—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.
Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/ —-
The question is: How do you foster collaboration within the admin team?
Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!
Meet Brent Jaco
Brent H. Jaco is in his fifth year as Superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, in Pecos, Texas. He has led the district through significant improvements, including the passage of two bonds since 2021 totaling over $625 million. These bonds enabled the construction of two new elementary campuses, the first in over 45 years, along with new facilities for maintenance, child nutrition, and technology, and a state-of-the-art Career & Technology Education wing at Pecos High School. He has been an athletic trainer, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal before moving into district administration. Mr. Jaco possesses a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Leadership from Ashford University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston. Before starting his career in education, he honorably served our country as a United States Naval Officer from 1994 – 1998.
In this episode, Will Parker speaks with Brent Jaco, Superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. Brent shares valuable insights about leadership, trust, and the transformations happening within his district.
Lessons in District Transformation
Brent begins by discussing the challenges Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD faced before his arrival, noting that no superintendent had stayed for more than a year in over two decades. His tenure, now in its fifth year, has brought much-needed stability, allowing the district to implement major changes. Brent emphasizes that these changes began with building trust.
Building Trust and Attracting Talent
Brent explains that when people are in survival mode, it’s hard to achieve anything substantial. His priority was to strengthen trust within the community, which started with assembling a strong leadership team. He focused on hiring excellent teachers and leaders, one way being through competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, Brent led the district in passing a bond to build a 64-unit apartment complex where teachers can live and build stronger relational trust with one another.
Childcare Initiatives
Another significant achievement under Brent’s leadership was passing a bond to build a daycare center for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years. This facility can serve up to 230 children, and the Texas Workforce Commission has partnered with the district to support the initiative. This service is designed to benefit both teachers and the broader community.
The Importance of Trust
Brent and Will discuss the book “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey, which Brent describes as a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. Brent shares how self-trust—knowing your core values and living by them—is fundamental to building trust in others. He also highlights the importance of relational trust, which involves being truthful, and clear, keeping promises, and deeply understanding situations before providing solutions.
An example Brent provides is the passage of his first bond issue, which had just over 50% community support. However, after delivering on that promise, the next bond issue gained 66% support from the community.
Advice for New Leaders
Brent offers valuable advice to newer leaders: have a clear vision and mission for the future, and understand that not everyone will agree with you—and that’s okay. Leadership isn’t about winning a popularity contest. He reminds listeners that everyone is a leader—whether you’re a teacher, custodian, bus driver, or superintendent. Success lies in being trustworthy, focusing on what’s best for students, building relationships, and accomplishing collective goals.
Connect with Brent Jaco
If you would like to contact Mr. Jaco you can email him at bjaco@pbtisd.esc18.net, or complete our official PBTISD Just Ask form. You can also visit the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD website at pbtisd.net. To reach out to Brent or his office directly, you can call (432) 447-7201.
