Judge Monroe Bringing 30 Years Of Experience Back To Clay Schools

Judge Diana Monroe will return to the Clay County School System as Director of Schools after seven years in the local justice system.

Monroe said she is a Celina High School Graduate with 30 years experience as a teacher. Monroe said her first step coming back into the schools is to make her presence felt.

“The first thing I’m going to do is talk to the janitors, the cooks, the bus drivers,” Monroe said. “All the teachers, administration, everyone in the school system and get their ideas and ways that we can try and improve.”

Monroe said that all this information gathering is a necessary step to learn what students need to create a better learning experience. Monroe said having time in December to shadow current Director Matt Eldridge will be critical to learning all the responsibilities the job title brings.

“I’m just so excited, I can’t wait to have the challenge and I look forward to it,” Monroe said. “I think it will be good for the kids of Clay County and I’m going to do the very best job I can do.”

Previously during the interview process Monroe was asked what her management style is? Monroe said she leads by taking the best information possible from the people around her.

“I will not (micromanage), I’m a delegator,” Monroe said. “The people in this room that know me, they know I’m a delegator. I get help from everybody because one can’t do it all. If you want to drive yourself crazy, you can do that but if people help you and if they help you succeed they’re going to feel really good about it.”

Monroe will enter into contract negotiations with the school system after being selected on Thursday night. Monroe said she envisions herself as Director of Schools after four years, she will be offered a two year contract.