Dear Lorenzo ISD Community,

My name is Gregory Nelson, and it is with great excitement and anticipation that my wife, Mia, and I join the vibrant and dynamic Lorenzo ISD community. We are thrilled to be part of a community that shares our passion for education and our commitment to nurturing the potential within every child.

As the new superintendent of Lorenzo ISD, I am eager to bring my experiences, beliefs, and dedication to the forefront of our collaborative efforts. Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” and this sentiment lies at the heart of my educational philosophy. Mr. Douglas’ words encapsulate my unwavering belief in the importance of providing a rigorous and ethical education to all students, empowering them to achieve their dreams as they prepare for success in life. Throughout my career, I have adopted a leadership style that blends transformational and servant leadership approaches.

My personal motto, “Let my work speak for me,” has guided my mission to support and inspire students, educators, and the community at large.

The five principles that form the cornerstone of my philosophy are as follows:

1.      Vision Management: Effective leadership begins with a well-developed vision, punctuated by a clearly defined mission that results in targeted goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics. My aim is to align my vision with the vison of the district, collaborating with the board and community to chart a course for success. Understanding and adopting the district's vision of cultivating excellence and producing empowered citizens will be my first priority.

2.      Constant Evaluation and Course Correction: Even the best-laid plans often require adjustments. By keeping the district’s vision and mission as our benchmark, we can make informed decisions and necessary adjustments to stay on course. Collaboration, communication, and data-driven decision-making are essential to our direction, equipping Lorenzo ISD students with the skills and experiences needed to achieve excellence.

3.      Leadership Matters: Leadership is impactful because people matter. Students, teachers, support staff, parents, and community leaders all play a crucial role in our district's success. Recognizing and investing in each stakeholder’s value is essential. I am prepared to lead from any position necessary, wearing a variety of hats to ensure success for all.

4.      Employee Success Support: In today’s post-COVID environment, retaining talented staff is more critical than ever. Effective leaders not only recruit well but also focus on retaining and developing talented staff members. Providing professional learning and development opportunities, addressing areas for growth, and maintaining a supportive environment are key to encouraging desired behaviors and ensuring the success of our employees.

5.      Continuous Improvement: Inspired by Albert Einstein’s words, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it,” I believe in the importance of continuous self-assessment and improvement. Effective leaders model this attribute and encourage it within their teams. By showing vulnerability and fostering a culture of risk-taking and open communication, we can empower our staff and students to achieve their fullest potential.

I look forward to working and interacting with each of you as we embark on this journey together. Mia and I are excited to become active members of the Lorenzo community, and we are committed to fostering an environment where every adult and student can thrive.

Together, we will build a future of excellence and opportunity.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Gregory Nelson,

 Superintendent, Lorenzo ISD