It takes great people, who are passionate at what they do, to make a community something special. Many of you have lived in Dumas all your lives. It's easy to loose prospective of your community, when it's about all you know or have experienced. Social Media has opened the world up to us all, like it or not, and we see what other places are like. Dumas may not be special to some, however after living all over Arkansas, I have found that Dumas is a special place because of the great people who live here.
Dumas Schools has one of those people who make this community something special. Our Superintendent Mr. Kelvin Gragg.
When asked what he is most proud of, Mr. Gragg stated that the single proudest thing my wife and I have done is to raise two outstanding young men. Each night, I thank God for placing my wife in my life and for blessing us with two young men who have done nothing but make us proud. The accolades I garner from my job are important to me professionally. However, nothing compares to the family God has given me.
Superintendent Gragg, during the publication's interview, said that he is very proud of every employee of the Dumas School District for the work we are doing to make this a successful start to the school year, tating everyone has made my job much easier than it would normally be.
Not long ago, Mr. Gragg's older son retired from professional football and was trying to find his career path. Mr. Gragg shared with his son what his grandfather had shared with him, that was to find a path in life that you enjoy, where you can help someone better themselves. Gragg found his calling, it was in education. Mr. Gragg will shared this advise with anyone. His son is presently coaching at the University of Memphis.
Kelvin was one of the few that found his calling early on. All of his role models have been teachers and coaches. He knew after his playing days, he would be a teacher and a coach. His grandparents were educators as well, and each taught for over forty years. He had the privilege of being in his grandmother’s third grade class. From that moment forward, he knew he wanted to be in education.
Kelvin’s first job out of school was teaching social studies and coaching football at Monticello High School. After three years at Monticello, he moved to McGehee where he taught civics and coached football. He was fortunate enough to be part of two championship football teams there. After those two years, he moved to Warren where he spent the next twelve years teaching, coaching, and getting his first taste of administration. He serves as the dean of students for three years. In 2000, he moved into administration full time. He has served as a principal in Newport, Dumas, Crossett and Pine Bluff. In 2012, he was given the opportunity to serve as superintendent in the Dermott School District. In 2014, he moved to Dumas and has been there ever since.
After many years in education his favorite thing about his job is developing relationships with young people. He is constantly being approached by young men and women who he has taught over the years. He doesn't always remember their names, but they remember him; and many share stories of their past and how they appreciate the guidance he provided them. He says, “There is no amount of money that can replace that feeling.” Dr. Tony Thurman, Cabot School District Superintendent, always introduces him as his 10th grade history teacher. That introduction and connection make him very proud of Dr. Thurman and their relationship.
As he continues to impact the lives of students, they continue to impact his. “What amazes me the most,” he says. “Is how resilient students are. Many times, we are the ones who create obstacles that our students must overcome. Our students want to do right. All we have to do is get out of the way and let them be successful.”
He wants to be remembered as someone who served children with fairness and honesty. More importantly, he wants to be remembered as a devoted husband, a doting father, and a faithful friend whose word was his bond.
Mr. Gragg's goals include to improve his craftsmanship. He want to be a better superintendent tomorrow than he was today. He wants to be a role model for young minority administrators who look like him.
You can read more of his story in Administrator Newsletter at https://issuu.com/theaaea/docs/administrator_newsletter_october_2020_ed…
