May 16, 2012—Student, alumnus, teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, principal – all titles held by Randy Kirk during his tenure in the Klein ISD. But if you ask him, his favorite title is simply “dad.”

“Family is number one in my book,” expressed Kirk. “I couldn’t ask for a better wife and kids as they truly are my biggest supporters. Also, my parents are great mentors of mine, especially my dad. He is such a great role model for me because he has held several positions during his time, and has always had such a great passion for his job.”

Kirk joins the elite group of KISD administrators, as he was voted by his peers as the 2012 Secondary Principal of the Year. Education was in his blood because his father, mother and brother had all previously worked in the field. Kirk, however, hadn’t planned on becoming a teacher but rather he wanted to be a lawyer. Whether it was fate, or a fluke with the mail that delayed his acceptance letters into law school, Kirk had moved back to Houston and already committed to coach and teach after graduating college. It was a decision, he admitted, that proved to be one of the best he ever made.

“I love my job. It’s unbelievable working in Klein because I get to not only work with some really outstanding individuals, but I’ve also been blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some incredible administrators, teachers and innovators in this field,” said Kirk.

During his 22 years working in education, Kirk has worn many hats in the district. He began teaching sixth grade honors English at Doerre Intermediate in 1993, then moved to Klein Intermediate to join their English department in 1996. After earning his principal certification, ironically alongside Elementary Principal of the Year Carol James, he immediately began his climb up the administrative ladder.

Kirk first held assistant principal positions at Hildebrandt Intermediate and Klein Oak High, then served as an associate principal at Klein Collins High when the school first opened in 2001. He earned his first principal position two years later at Kleb Intermediate, before finding his way back to take the reins at Klein Collins in 2004. Now, as he approaches the end of his eighth year as principal at KCHS, Kirk feels he is right at home.

“I think actions speak louder than words. You have to have a positive attitude and lead by example, and that is what I try to do every day,” said Kirk. “This job is definitely a balancing act, and navigating the day-to-day requirements can be challenging, but I am blessed to have a strong support system at home and at school that helps motivate me.”

Susan Bates, associate principal at Klein Collins, has been with Kirk since he took the lead on campus. She praises him as being a true inspiration for aspiring administrators like herself.

“He’s not like a boss, but rather treats us and acts like an equal on the administrative team,” said Bates. “What makes him so special is that he steps up and is willing to do the same work that is asked of us, and has built such a strong team here. He is great to work for, and in fact it doesn’t feel like work at all because we are a family.”

Kirk takes pride in his staff and students, and said the best part of his job is interacting with both groups on a daily basis. Despite the long hours and strains of leading a high school campus of more than 3,400 students, Kirk maintains that he couldn’t do it if it weren’t for his staff.

“Our jobs are extremely important, and I am extremely fortunate with the caliber of teachers and staff working for me. They are extremely dedicated to their jobs, and with a campus this size, they are the ones I have to rely on the most to help reach our students and carry out the mission and vision of our campus,” he said.

Klein Collins has established itself among the top high schools in the state. During the school’s 11-year history, students and staff members have earned numerous local, state and national accolades in the areas of academics, athletics, AFJROTC and a variety of clubs and extra-curricular activities. According to Colonel Daniel Crum, Klein Collins’ successes are a direct result of the strong leadership on campus.

“Mr. Kirk is a highly respectable person because you always know where you stand with him. Like a good leader, he engages with the staff and students, as is often seen in the halls. He also has a formidable amount of experience in the classroom that makes him very understanding and able to relate to the teachers and the staff,” said Colonel Crum.

Kirk went to school in the Klein ISD and graduated from Klein High in 1984. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University where he played football for the Red Raiders (1984-1988), and then received his master’s from Prairie View A&M University. He and his wife of 16 years, Dawn, have two children: Kelly, 14, who will be a freshman in the fall, and fifth grader Kael, 11, who will transition to the intermediate level next school year.

As another school year comes to a close, Kirk expressed that this is a bittersweet time for everyone at Klein Collins.

“The students are why we are here, and one of the better parts of my job is seeing the growth of these kids. From the time they come in as freshman, to seeing them cross that stage as young adults, it’s a truly rewarding experience,” said Kirk, who shared feelings of nostalgia of all that the year has afforded him.

“This award is a tremendous honor, but it is not mine alone,” he added. “I get to work every day with such an outstanding group of employees, who are the best in my book, and this award is a true testament to them and to my amazing family.”