When Mount Vernon ISD named Dr. Crawford as its new Assistant Superintendent, the district welcomed more than just an experienced educator. His journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance, strong relationships, and a real desire to help others.
Dr. Crawford shared that he started his path in education in a small Texas town, inspired by a teacher who believed in him before he believed in himself.
He grew up in West, Texas, and credits a great high school teacher for inspiring him to become an educator. After graduating from Texas Tech University, he started his career in Richardson ISD, spending about fifteen years teaching and coaching before thinking about administration.
In fact, becoming an administrator was never part of his original plan.
“I loved my job,” he explained. “I loved coaching and working with students.”
A mission trip to Africa was a turning point for him. Seeing the impact of generational change and working with others made him think beyond his current job. Instead of seeking leadership roles right away, he just started saying yes to chances to help.
If someone asked him to join a committee, he did. If a project needed help, he volunteered. Looking back, he thinks he served on 20 to 30 committees and leadership groups in just two years.
His willingness to serve led him to earn a master’s degree in administration and take his first assistant principal job.
What happened next was one of the hardest times in his life.
On the very first day of his new administrative role, his second son was diagnosed with leukemia.
For the next five years, his family walked through treatments, uncertainty, and challenges that would test their faith and resilience. Today, he is thankful to report that his son is healthy, active, and thriving.
“It went back to that same belief,” Dr. Crawford said. “You just keep moving forward and keep doing what you can, even when it feels like you can’t.”
During that time, his faith was a steady source of strength. It also shapes how he sees many of the opportunities he’s had.
“I truly believe the Lord opens doors,” he said. “We have to have the courage, fortitude, and faith to step through them.”
That outlook led him to Community ISD, where he helped open new campuses and later became principal of a new school. Building a school’s culture from scratch became one of the most important experiences in his career.
Now, he feels another opportunity has come his way.
He enjoyed his last job, but something about Mount Vernon just felt right.
When he first visited the community, he spent time exploring the area, meeting with district leaders, and getting a feel for the town itself. What stood out most wasn’t a building or a program. It was the people.
“There is a lot of pride in Mount Vernon,” he said.
The community pride, along with the district’s size and family feel, made a big impression on him. As an educator and a father, he saw a place where his family could belong and give back.
As he gets ready to start, Dr. Crawford is quick to say that Mount Vernon ISD is already doing a lot of things well.
Instead of coming in with a list of changes, his first goal is simple: to listen and learn.
He wants to meet people, find out what’s working, listen to concerns, and learn what makes Mount Vernon unique.
“The school is already doing well,” he said. “I want to come in and listen and learn.”
This approach matches a theme that came up often in our conversation: relationships.
When asked what ingredients are necessary for a successful school district, Dr. Crawford didn’t begin with test scores, budgets, or facilities. He began with people.
He explained that everything starts with relationships. Strong teachers and good leaders matter, but trust is what helps a district move forward together. Parents, students, staff, and community members need to know that decisions are made with students’ best interests in mind.
For Dr. Crawford, student success remains the ultimate focus.
“When we remember that all of these decisions are for students, good things happen,” he said.
He also stressed how important it is to be visible and easy to reach. He wants parents, staff, and community members to know he values open communication and real connections.
“I want people to know I’m approachable,” he said. “Come up and talk to me.”
He believes that this philosophy should include everyone in the district. Whether it’s teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, or support staff, Dr. Crawford thinks everyone helps students succeed and deserves to be valued.
“My vision is to see everyone as part of the value of our district and community,” he explained.
As the Crawford family gets ready to move to Franklin County, they are excited to join the community they’ve heard so much about.
“We’re really excited,” he said.
They feel just as grateful as they are excited.
Dr. Crawford repeatedly expressed his honor at having the opportunity to serve Mount Vernon ISD. More than anything, he looks forward to working alongside students, staff, parents, and community members to continue building on the district’s success.
His goals for the first year aren’t flashy. They focus on building relationships, listening, learning, and serving.
If his story shows anything, it’s that these principles have guided him well throughout his career.
Now, those same principles will help guide him as he starts this new chapter in Mount Vernon.
