New executive director of HR brings variety of experience
Ruth Campbell, Odessa American, Texas
5 min read
Jun. 9—Matthew Spivy, Ector County ISD's new executive director of human resources, has seen both sides of the HR spectrum having worked in education himself as a coach, teacher, assistant principal and principal.
Spivy was director of human resources for Greenville ISD before joining ECISD.
He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Texas A&M University Commerce and a master's in educational administration also at TAMU Commerce then earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Baylor University.
Asked why he decided on human resources as opposed to something in chemistry, Spivy said, "God opened up some doors for me and it led me to where I am here."
"I was always told growing up, coming from family on my side and my wife's side of educators, that they could always see me being a teacher and a coach. I taught for seven years, coached for two years and then became an elementary assistant principal and principal and then worked my way into human resources," Spivy said.
He taught math and science, mostly at the secondary level and said he loved it and had a "blast" working with students, being able to "grow them each day."
Human resources allows Spivy to be a resource for staff members.
"Most people don't always come to human resources because everything is great. There's usually a need, or a question, or concern they have. ... To be able to be that resource that can get them the answers they need, the support they need, I really find that to be one of my callings to be able to assist them in that," he added.
Spivy said he does miss being on campus with teachers and students, but he feels HR is a calling.
On why he decided on Ector County ISD, Spivy said that was another door God opened up for him.
"I looked at various positions across the state looking for district leadership. One of the things that drew me to ECISD was seeing a lot of work that (Superintendent) Dr. (Scott) Muri and the HR team had done with a lot of their strategic staffing initiatives; the different pipelines that the district uses to recruit and retain teachers. It's a very innovative approach and I was very eager to learn that and to be a fixture in helping expand that even further," Spivy said.
The last time he was in West Texas was when he was about 6 or 7 years old. He said he wasn't put off by the scenery here.
"It was a new adventure for our family. I've lived my entire life in the Dallas metroplex area within two neighboring counties. We were looking for a new place, just a new adventure for my wife and kids and to see where that brought us," Spivy said.
Interviewed the week of May 25, he had started his job three weeks before.
"I've been amazed at the welcome, at the support; just the overall culture of the district has been amazing. They welcomed me with open arms and gone to lengths to make sure I felt right at home. Being apart from my family for a little bit of time during the week is difficult, but my HR team (and) the district leadership have been more than generous in working with me and helping to make me feel welcome here and acknowledged. That's a blessing to be a part of," Spivy said.
Still learning the ropes, Spivy said he has a few ideas, but most of them go with programs that are already in place. He doesn't plan any big changes, but plans to do whatever he can to enhance pipelines that are already in the works.
"There are several people that have had many years of experience in ECISD. They've been valuable tools to ... lean on as I'm trying to familiarize myself with people, with programs, with practices. They've been very gracious in pulling me along in those areas," Spivy said.
In his previous district, they had started a similar grow your own plan, but it wasn't as robust as ECISD's.
"The process we have been able to take students in our schools that have a passion for education, work with them, grow with them and provide that pathway for them to go to either through OC or through UTPB to get that and then come back and serve the students that they're familiar with and to serve their community. It's a great thing to see. I wish in my previous district we could have expanded it more than we did, but it's great to see it here and the impact that it has on not only our recruiting and hiring practices, but for our students as well," Spivy said.
He noted that recruiting enough talented educators is a statewide issue.
"Teaching is an amazing profession that doesn't get the publicity or the grace or that it deserves," Spivy said.
Spivy said he's thrilled to be at ECISD.
"I'm excited and blessed for the opportunity come and work with Dr. Muri, with district leadership and the staff here. They've been overwhelmingly gracious in my welcoming and getting me acclimated to not only the district but to the town and the community as well. So it's been a great pleasure so far," Spivy said.
Anthony Sorola, associate superintendent over athletics, human capital and operations, said he feels fortunate to have Spivy on board because of his broad experience.
"He has served as a classroom teacher and campus administrator at both the elementary and secondary level. Moreover, he has experience as a central office administrator within human resources and district operations. These experiences, coupled with his formal education, distinguished him as a candidate. We are excited to unify his extensive knowledge with that of our new Executive Director of Talent Development Jaime Miller to sustain the trailblazing human capital work that was begun in Ector County ISD three years ago," Sorola said.
