Aubrey ISD Deputy Superintendent Terrie McNabb received a gift from the district she’s spent 35 years growing on Jan. 6.
When naming the new Owens Middle School in September, the board also chose to rename the existing middle school for the woman who was principal during its opening in 2003.
“Our board takes the privilege of naming our facilities,” Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor said. “Anyone that’s really made an impact on Aubrey ISD schools, a long tenure of career or the community, is who they consider. It’s just somebody who we have great pride in.”
McNabb deserves that honor, Saylor explained.
“She thinks what she does is not special and unique—‘Doesn’t everyone do this?’—and no they don’t,” Saylor said. “They don’t have that background of counseling and kid knowledge and staff knowledge. She’s a great guiding light.”
Saylor used a staff-wide 'State of the District' address, coupled with a lack of yearly district Christmas party, as cover for the announcement.
“I honestly did not have any idea,” McNabb said. “I kind of assumed this was a way to get the entire district together and give Dr. Saylor an opportunity to see everybody. I don’t remember the board typically being there, but we didn’t have a district Christ- mas party, which is typically when they would see our entire staff, so my mind just automatically said, ‘Oh, they’re here to see the staff.’” Saylor elaborated on the impact McNabb has had on the growing district over the years and going back to her time first as a teacher and then counselor before moving to an administrative role.
“I attended new teacher academy in the class of 1997 and that had an impact on me as an educator and the support I received,” Saylor said. “I can recall getting a card in the mail from her [when I was hired on] welcoming me, and I hadn’t even met her yet. That was huge for me, and therefore I do that today for our new staff.”
Mentorship is a driving theme for McNabb.
“I’m deeply grateful and humbled,” McNabb said. “I of course had amazing mentors I wish I could name for you now, but they made a significant impact on me and the naming, I hope, is reflective of their work as well. Thank you also to all the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.”
Saylor was keen to keep McNabb from deflecting.
“The expectations we’ve had for staff in her 35-year tenure is driven a lot from her seat and her role,” Saylor said. “I know she had mentors that trained her in that regard. However, she’s the one that has carried it.”
The surprise itself, followed by the honor she’s received, is one McNabb struggled to find words for.
“It was an incredible moment, unforgettable and life-changing,” McNabb said. “More than just the building, I hope my legacy is in the people that follow me and that they continue the greatness we have here in Aubrey ISD.”
