PC is the place to be!

❤️🏴‍☠️ PC is the Place to Be! 🏴‍☠️ ❤️

While it is extremely important to share the truth about public education and the legislative session, I refuse to fall into the negativity trap. As a school leader, my mindset has always been to be the lead storyteller—the one who highlights all the greatness happening within our walls. I don’t want to lose that. Repeatedly, our "representatives" want to paint a picture of how bad public schools are and how people are trying their best to RUN away from them. In my neck of the woods, this is not the case! We are not just surviving in public education—we are THRIVING. We are EXCELLING. We are BUILDING something special, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

This isn’t a competition about which district is better or whether public schools are superior to private schools. If you want my opinion, just ask me. But this reflection isn’t about comparison. This is about how great MY school is and how incredibly proud I am to be a Paint Creek Pirate!

Last week, the Paint Creek Pirates secured a monumental victory against the Rule Bobcats. This win clinched a playoff berth for our basketball team—the first time a boys' Pirate team has reached the Texas UIL Playoffs since 1996. That alone is an amazing achievement, but what makes this even more special is that the team’s fearless leader, Coach Waters, was a player on that '96 team.

What an incredible moment for the boys, the school, and Coach Waters. This victory is a direct reflection of the culture he is building in our school and speaks volumes about his leadership. Our entire school community is beyond blessed to have him guiding our student-athletes.

Fast forward to Tuesday night: we traveled to Rotan to take on the Yellowhammers. This game carried little pressure since we had already secured the runner-up spot in the small school division of our district. But, in true Pirate fashion, our boys showed up to compete. It was a hard-fought game and the perfect test before heading into the playoffs.

After the final buzzer, I was surprised to see our fans rush the court, gathering the team for a photo. Initially, I hesitated—what message would this send to the other team? After all, this wasn’t a high-stakes playoff game. But then, I quickly realized the true purpose: celebrating Coach Waters' 100th career win.

It was a moment of pure emotion, one that I knew I had to capture. I snapped a picture, knowing this would be a memory we would cherish forever. (Apologies in advance, Rudy—we probably shouldn’t have been on your floor in street shoes, but I think you’ll forgive us for this one!)

The joy and excitement that radiated from our team, our community, and Coach Waters’ family was unforgettable. While the playoff anticipation was certainly in the air, this was more than just about the postseason. This was a celebration of a leader—someone who has poured his heart and soul into building these young men (and women, not pictured) into the people God has called them to be. This is what true leadership looks like.

To some, this may seem like a small moment. To us, it’s monumental. This is a cultural win for our organization, our coach, and our school. It’s another giant step toward making Paint Creek a destination district for all.

And while I don’t often echo Governor Abbott’s words, I will borrow one of his phrases: school choice.

But let’s be clear—my version of school choice has nothing to do with vouchers. It’s about choices. We proudly coined the slogan "PC is the place to be"—and it’s more than just a catchy phrase. This statement comes directly from our core values, chosen by the people of Paint Creek, because we truly believe in it.

Here, there is no dream too tall for a school so small.

We are already living proof that we are a school of choice. Over 70% of our student body consists of transfer students—families who choose to be part of our community. And that number continues to grow. In the last three years, our enrollment has increased by more than 20%. According to TEA, that growth technically moves us out of their definition of "rural"—but in my opinion, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more rural district.

So look out, world—Paint Creek is on the map, and you’re going to be hearing more and more about us. Because at the end of the day, PC truly is the place to be!

The world needs to know what’s happening here. The energy, the passion, the unwavering commitment of our staff, students, and community—it’s something special. And we’re just getting started!

If you’re a parent looking for a school where your child will be known, challenged, and supported—PC is the place to be.

If you’re an educator searching for a district where your leadership, passion, and dedication can make a REAL impact—PC is the place to be.

Because at the heart of all of this—it’s about the PEOPLE. Our people. The teachers, the staff, the families, and the students who make Paint Creek more than just a school. Our people CARE about your kids. They show up every single day with the mission to build young men and women into individuals we will be PROUD of—leaders, dreamers, and doers who will make an impact on the world.

We aren’t just telling the story of Paint Creek—we are LIVING it. And the best part? The story is only getting better. LET’S GO, PIRATES! ⚓🏀🔥