Lexington City Schools Superintendent Nakia Hardy reflects on first 100 days in the role

Nakia Hardy became the superintendent of Lexington City Schools in July after more than 25 years working in education. WFDD’s Amy Diaz spoke with Hardy about what she’s done in her first 100 days in the role. She starts by explaining how she introduced herself to the Lexington community. 

Interview Highlights

On how she introduced herself to the community: 

"We had community meetings that were hosted by each of our board members. I also had meetings with every single faculty and staff. And in each of those meetings, I spent some time talking about myself. And I think, you know, one of the things that I want people to know about me is that as much as I am passionate for the schooling experience, it has not always been easy for me. And early in elementary, I struggled in reading. And when you know that there's been a struggle, how you overcome that is so important. And so I really wanted the community to have an opportunity to get to know me and get to know my passion."

On how she got to know the community: 

"We did a 'Start, Stop, Continue' activity so that gave the community members, as well as staff, an opportunity to tell me what are the things that are going great here. So if they're going really well, then we need to continue, you don't mess with stuff that's going great. What are the things that we might need to stop? Things that are not going so well, or things that are not contributing to ensuring that all of our children and our staff are having their successful days and taking care of our babies? So what are the things that we need to stop? And then what are some new ideas that you have or things that we need to start? And so it really gave them an opportunity to think about the current status of Lexington City Schools, and reframe it and provide me with that feedback."

On the feedback she received: 

"I think there is a hunger for the community to have the opportunity to engage with staff. And so one of the things that we did hear loud and clear is continue to have community meetings. It needs to be a part of the regular work that we do here in Lexington City. And so we are working to make sure that, as we wrap up the fall semester, that we at least have one community meeting before the end of the calendar year and potentially two in the spring. And then next year having regularly quarterly meetings so that we do keep that open dialogue."

On the recent violent threats on social media Lexington City Schools has had to deal with: 

"We have experienced, and needed to have a response to some threats that were on social media. And you know, one, the first thing I want to say is that one of the main reasons why I was attracted to Lexington City Schools is just because of the community. And communities really show what they believe and what they value in the time when they have to come together. And so I’m just really pleased and want to just give such gratitude to the Lexington City Police Department. They truly, alongside me, were great partners in ensuring that the top priority for us every single day are the babies and the staff that we have in our schools."

On what she's learned in her first 100 days: 

"I'm just one member of the team that we have here in Lexington City. I think what I have learned over these 100 days is that we are a team that is committed to each other and committed to our children. And I'm just proud to be a part of it. And I just want to thank our staff, and every member of our team for showing up every day for working hard every day and giving our best to our babies. And finally to the 3,000 children that we get to serve. They are amazing. They show up, they smile, they work hard, and I'm just really pleased with all the work that I see them doing in our schools every day."

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.