In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Northeast ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics Jay Govan and Superintendent Anthony Jarrett as they share insights on navigating the changing landscape of public education, building community trust, and creating opportunities for students through athletics and innovative district initiatives.

Drawing from their leadership experiences at one of San Antonio’s largest school districts, Govan and Jarrett discuss the challenges facing public education, from declining enrollment and increased competition to budget constraints and evolving student needs. They also explore how districts can take a proactive approach to communicating their value, strengthening community relationships, and investing in the student experience.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Jay Govan navigated a major career transition and built a new athletic leadership team during a period of significant administrative turnover
• Why hiring for character, heart, and shared values is just as important as experience and technical skills
• How declining enrollment and increased competition from charter schools, private schools, and alternative learning models are changing the landscape of public education
• Why school districts must take a more proactive approach to marketing their strengths, engaging families, and shaping their public narrative
• How Northeast ISD is connecting families with educational opportunities through community initiatives and its RUDE advocacy program
• Why creating a distinctive student experience through hospitality, personal development, and extracurricular opportunities is essential to the future of public schools
• How athletic departments can explore corporate partnerships to generate revenue, strengthen local relationships, and enhance student programs
• The lasting value of high school athletics in developing relationships, encouraging academic achievement, and preparing students for future collaboration

The insights from this conversation provide a look at how school districts and athletic departments can adapt to a changing educational landscape while keeping students at the center of their decisions. Govan and Jarrett emphasize the importance of intentional leadership, meaningful community engagement, and a clear understanding of what makes public education unique. For athletic administrators and district leaders alike, investing in the student experience, building strong partnerships, and communicating their value can help position their programs for long-term success.

Special thanks to CourTex for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their support of athletic administrators and the programs they lead, CourTex helps create opportunities to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the athletic community.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we take you inside the 2026 THSADA Fall Forum in San Antonio, Texas, highlighting conversations and sessions focused on leadership, culture, emergency management, coach evaluation, school law, and the changing landscape of education.

From documentation and investigations to emergency action planning and UIL updates, this episode brings together insights from athletic administrators and education leaders on the challenges facing Texas athletics today. The episode also features conversations with THSADA presidents, Northeast ISD Superintendent Anthony Jarrett, and Executive Director Jaygo Van as they share their perspectives on leadership, culture, and the future of athletics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why athletic administrators need to protect the opportunities and traditions that make Texas athletics unique
• Why being present and following through on commitments are essential to building trust with coaches and staff
• How systems, clear expectations, and ongoing support can help leaders influence culture change at scale
• Why athletic evaluations should focus on intentional, measurable areas such as communication, compliance, coaching performance, professionalism, and leadership
• How athletic departments can build flexible emergency action plans that can be adapted across events and changing circumstances
• Why school districts are increasingly being challenged to adopt a business mindset and clearly communicate the value they provide to families
• What athletic administrators need to understand about reassignment, employment law, and the importance of having legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for personnel decisions
• Why leaders should focus their time and energy on the people they can influence while continuing to provide systems and support for long-term culture change

The conversations throughout this Director’s Cut provide a look at the evolving responsibilities of athletic administrators and the leadership required to navigate an increasingly complex educational landscape. From strengthening relationships and developing coaches to preparing for emergencies and responding to changes in school choice and employment law, the episode emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, preparation, and support.

Special thanks to HomeTown Ticketing for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. HomeTown is a longtime THSADA partner, providing ticketing, fundraising, and software solutions to high schools across Texas and the country.

In this Director’s Cut episode, we sit down with Dr. Chivonne Kiser, Athletic Director at Princeton ISD, as she shares insights on preparing for athletic leadership, taking initiative, building trust as a new administrator, and the importance of continuous professional development throughout a career.

Drawing from her own journey from head volleyball coach and assistant coordinator to athletic director, Dr. Kiser discusses how intentional preparation and involvement in THSADA helped prepare her for the next step in her career.

In this episode, she discusses:

• How getting involved with THSADA early in her coaching career helped prepare her for a future role in athletic administration
• Why attending conferences and investing in professional development can create opportunities before they officially arise
• How taking the initiative to introduce herself at a conference helped lead to an assistant athletic director position
• Why new athletic directors should spend their first 30 to 45 days listening, learning, and assessing before making major changes
• The importance of respecting existing traditions, building relationships, and understanding the nuances of a school community when stepping into a new leadership role
• How the THSADA Fall Forum provides athletic administrators with an opportunity to make a “halftime adjustment” and stay prepared for a rapidly changing educational landscape
• Why aspiring athletic directors should prepare for their next opportunity well before a position becomes available

The insights from this conversation provide a look at how preparation, initiative, and a commitment to learning can shape an athletic leadership career. Dr. Kiser emphasizes that opportunities often come from the work done before the opportunity ever appears. For current and aspiring athletic directors alike, staying engaged in professional development and being intentional in every interaction can help prepare them to lead when the opportunity arrives.

Special thanks to Watchfire for helping make this Director’s Cut conversation possible. Through their continued support of athletics and the professionals who lead it, Watchfire creates opportunities to connect, learn, and strengthen our athletic community.