From the small town of Carter, Oklahoma, with a population of just 256, to becoming the Superintendent of the Year in Texas, the second-largest state in the nation, the story of Dr. John Folks is one of remarkable dedication and leadership in education. His journey, rooted in humble beginnings, showcases an unwavering commitment to public education and student success, making him a true luminary in the field.
The foundation for Dr. John Folks‘s extraordinary career was laid at home, deeply embedded in the world of education. His parents, Cecil and Walene Folks, were both dedicated school teachers in rural Oklahoma. This immersive environment meant education was not just a profession but a way of life. Interestingly, Dr. John Folks experienced this firsthand, having his mother as his junior high math teacher and his father as his geometry teacher in high school. This unique family dynamic undoubtedly instilled in him a profound appreciation for the power of teaching and learning.
It was in his father’s geometry class that a significant chapter in Dr. John Folks‘s personal life began to unfold. He met his future wife, though his initial impression was less than favorable, as he jokingly recalls her constant chatter in class leading to minor troubles. Despite this initial friction, both pursued higher education at the University of Oklahoma, earning bachelor’s degrees in education. Dr. John Folks continued his academic pursuits at the same university, ultimately achieving a doctorate degree, solidifying his commitment to a career in education leadership.
Initially contemplating a career with the FBI, Dr. John Folks found himself drawn to a different path during the Bureau’s recruitment process. While exploring opportunities in law enforcement, he encountered a recruiter from Port Arthur Independent School District (ISD) in Texas. This chance meeting redirected his career trajectory, leading him to Port Arthur as a math teacher. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his impactful journey in Texas education.
History was indeed in the making early in Dr. John Folks‘s career. Remarkably, in his very first year of teaching at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1970, he was honored as Teacher of the Year. This prestigious recognition signaled the exceptional talent and dedication that would define his career.
Two years later, Dr. John Folks returned to his home state of Oklahoma, accepting a teaching position at Western Heights Public Schools in Oklahoma City. His career continued to ascend as he followed in his father’s professional footsteps, joining the Oklahoma State Department of Education three years later. He served in various roles within the department, progressively taking on more responsibility, eventually becoming Associate Deputy State Superintendent. In 1984, he achieved a significant milestone, being elected State Superintendent of Oklahoma, a role equivalent to the Texas Education Commissioner, serving for four impactful years.
Despite his success at the state level, Dr. John Folks felt a pull towards having a more direct influence on students and desired more time with his wife, Wyvonna, and their young sons, Mark and Michael. This desire led him back to district leadership. He took on the role of Superintendent of Midwest City-Del City Public Schools in Oklahoma, and subsequently served as Dean of the School of Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, further broadening his experience in education administration and academia.
In 1997, after 25 years since his initial move to Texas, Dr. John Folks returned to the Lone Star State, accepting the superintendency of Spring ISD in Houston. His reputation for effective leadership and vision led to another significant move in 2002 when he was recruited to lead Northside ISD. Over the ensuing decade, Dr. John Folks, the Oklahoma native, left an indelible mark on Northside ISD and the entire Texas education landscape.
Under Dr. John Folks‘s leadership, Northside ISD achieved remarkable success and garnered numerous accolades, all while navigating substantial enrollment growth and significant financial challenges. In 2005, Northside ISD became the first district in Texas to receive the prestigious HEB Excellence in Education Award. This was followed by national recognition in 2007 when NISD was named one of five finalists for the Broad Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of education,” underscoring the district’s exemplary performance under his guidance.
However, Dr. John Folks‘s most personally significant achievement came in 2011 when he was named Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. This honor recognized his exceptional statewide leadership and his unwavering and vocal advocacy for Texas public education.
Dr. John Folks was known for his straightforward and honest communication, even when it meant challenging elected officials in Austin. While his outspoken nature occasionally ruffled feathers, it simultaneously earned him the respect of lawmakers across the political spectrum. During legislative sessions, he was a constant presence in Austin, often making daily trips to testify on the potential impact of legislation on Texas school districts, both large and small. His deep expertise in school finance and operations proved invaluable, particularly during the challenging times of 2011 when the state faced massive $5.4 billion cuts to public education funding. Dr. John Folks was at the forefront of the fight against these cuts, publicly opposing them and rallying support at the Capitol.
Known for his sincerity and integrity, Dr. John Folks built a foundation of trust with staff, fellow educators, elected officials, business leaders, journalists, and, most importantly, taxpayers. This trust was evident in the community’s consistent support for Northside ISD. During his tenure as superintendent, voters approved three consecutive bond issues totaling $1.7 billion, funding new schools, renovations, and improvements to existing facilities, demonstrating the community’s confidence in his leadership.
While Dr. John Folks‘s contributions to Texas public education extended statewide through his advocacy and leadership roles in organizations like the Texas School Alliance and the Texas Association of School Administrators, his dedication to the students and staff of Northside ISD remained paramount. He held high expectations for his team, mirroring the even higher standards he set for himself. His deep affection for the district was apparent in his tireless efforts to enhance instruction, curriculum, and ultimately, student success. He stood and continues to stand as a role model for aspiring school leaders throughout Texas.
After an illustrious 42-year career in education, Dr. John Folks retired in May 2012. However, his commitment to education continues. He imparts his knowledge and experience to future school administrators by teaching a graduate-level course at the University of Texas at San Antonio and serves as a Sunday School teacher at MacArthur Park Church of Christ, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to community and learning.
In retirement, Dr. John Folks and his wife Wyvonna have embraced travel, exploring destinations like Alaska and Florida, and cherishing time with their two children and six grandchildren. He also continues to pursue his passions for golf and bicycle riding, maintaining an active and fulfilling life.
Dr. John Folks attributes his personal and professional success to the strong values instilled by his parents and grandparents – a deep commitment to learning, quality education, hard work, and a strong work ethic. These are the very qualities he hopes to inspire in the students at Dr. John Folks Middle School, a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on education.
