Behind a desk at Carroll ISD's administration building sits Barbara Yelton. She's assistant to Superintendent Dr. David Faltys, but she's no gatekeeper. Instead, she's more like the heartbeat of the district. Yelton, who celebrates 25 years in Carroll ISD this month, keeps schedules and activities operating smoothly, among many other responsibilities. As we prepare to kick off a new school year, one thing is for sure: Yelton couldn't be happier to welcome Dragons back.
Q: What's it like working as assistant to Dr. Faltys?
A: Working with Dr. Faltys is like having dinner with the pope. It’s a wonderful honor. I’m continually amazed by his ability to build bridges, forge lasting relationships, share his knowledge and wisdom in a humble manner, season everything with kindness, and lift our souls with a touch of humor at just the right moment. He is simply the best. I can honestly say there has never been a single day when I didn’t want to come to work.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I arrive at my office early about 6:30 or 7 a.m. It allows me the pleasure of quietly easing into the day with my morning coffee and “Hits 1” on Sirius XM so that I start every day with a song in my heart. We have staff meetings every Monday, and I have various other monthly meetings for which I prepare the agenda and take meeting notes. I also manage Dr. Faltys’ calendar, which keeps me busier than you might imagine. On any given day, I talk with students, parents, district employees and administrators, CISD school board members, and other members of the local community and our great state. Every day brings something or someone new.
Q: What's something about your job that might surprise people?
A: I attend all of the Carroll ISD school board meetings, where I take the official board minutes. Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and usually finish sometime between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. You would be surprised at how few cars are left on the road when I’m headed home from a board meeting!
Q: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Dragon?
A: To me, being a Dragon means embracing and enjoying traditions, aiming for excellence (and more often than not, achieving it), respecting others, showing generosity and kindness, and never ever resting upon our laurels.
Q: How does it feel to be recognized as a Paraprofessional Service winner for 2016?
A: It is such a lovely honor to receive this award because a fellow employee nominated me. Receiving it makes me want to work even harder to ensure that I remain worthy of it.
Q: How would you describe the atmosphere in the office as everyone gears up for a new school year?
A: It’s a healthy mix of excitement, anticipation and exhilaration with just a hint of panic thrown in when we realize there are only a few short weeks until staff members return to work and students return to the classroom after their summer breaks.
Q: What are you most excited about as Dragons prepare to head back to school?
A: I can’t wait to see what the new school year brings for our students as they set their sights on new goals and accomplish great things. One of my favorite things is to see our students on Twitter enjoying themselves—whether it’s learning something new, being mesmerized by a visiting author’s tall tale, participating in a theatrical production, seeing the surprising results of their science experiment, or finishing a race in record time. Nothing matches a child’s smile. It’s precious and priceless.
Q: Anything else you'd like to say?
A: I’d like people to know that I work with the smartest, kindest, funniest and most compassionate and dedicated administrators, teachers and school employees, who work tirelessly on behalf of our students to ensure that all of our children are appreciated and loved, and are as successful as they can possibly be. Every day I work with my dearest friends, and that is a true blessing.