Marcus Forney
Marcus Forney grew up with firm , nurturing and loving parents in a tight knit Christian home . He was born in Tyler , Tx but grew up in the Dallas area , the youngest of two sons . Both his parents grew up poor , in very humble conditions . But despite their meager upbringing , they both are college graduates .
“ While I didn ’ t know it at the time , my mother would be a huge influence on me pursuing a career in education ,” said Forney . His father was a deacon , who worked in construction , and the mother , was a school teacher , and very active in their church Sunday school . “ My parents had a strong work ethic , promoted the importance of education , believed in helping others and in living a life that reflected their personal faith . I ’ m fortunate to still have both of my parents supporting and encouraging me to this day ,” said Forney .
My parents , teachers , pastor , college professor and football coaches had the most influence on me . My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me and my brother Michael . Since I was young , my father always had two or three different jobs .
This “ Difference Maker ,” life long lessons are , have faith in God , get a good education , be respectf u l , work ha rd , a nd always t r y to be of se r v ice to ot he r s . Forney attended David W . Carter High School in Dallas , Prairie View A & M University and Liberty University-in Lynchburg , Virginia , Texas A & M University-Commerce for his master ’ s degree , and is working on a doctoral degree from the University of Houston .
Forney initially thought he was going to be a professional football player and play for his favorite NFL Team-the Dallas Cowboys .
But that plan didn ’ t quite work out . He also explored becoming a dentist . He didn ’ t know if he wanted to teach but Forney knew he wanted to be of service to people in some capacity .
The life-defining events that shaped Forney were “ my calling into ministry on April 15 , 2001 , and the birth of our daughter , Lauren Elizabeth , on Jan . 15 , 2004 ,” said Forney .
This “ Difference Maker ,” philosophy of life speaks to his personal purpose . The reason that I ’ m here is to serve humanity in a small way by working with students both directly and indirectly . He thinks everyone has a purpose in life .
As the Chief Academic Officer for Huntsville Independent School District ( HISD ), he work in collaboration with other leaders and administrators to maintain academic systems and problem-solve current challenges in the district . Forney works to ensure that all programs , employees and departments meet performance outcomes and achieve student goals . He provides support and feedback to team members and support campus administrators as well as teachers . On a good day he typically works eight to nine hours but closer to 10-12 hours .
Forney ’ s daily work routine is , review my calendar for the week and talk about tasks that are needing to be completed with his assistant , read & respond to dozens of emails , return phone calls , approve requisitions , attendance requests and DAEP placements , visit campuses to support teachers , instructional coaches and principals , attend PLC meetings , district meetings , review student
assessment data , benchmarks , make recommendations for campus improvements , prepare reports for TEA , the district and the T & L Team , work with and consult Region VI .
As an effective administrator , Forney has learned that these skills are necessary to be productive , critical thinking , growth mindset , communication , leadership development , team building , visioning , analytical skills , collaboration , research and strategic planning .
Forney considers his job an adventure . “ Its demanding and requires lots of hours . But at the same time its very rewarding and fulfilling especially when we accomplish our annual goals and students are learning at a high level and staff members are growing and improving ,” said Forney .
One of the most challenging aspects of the job is staying abreast of all of the state and federal laws , policies , guidelines as it relates to instructional trends , curriculum strategies and the state ’ s accountability system .
Changes happen all of the time especially when we ’ re in a legislative year . “ I have a solid team that works with me and helps me to manage the plethora of responsibilities and duties that I have ,” said Forney .
To relax , Forney goes on date nights with his wife Lisa , spend time with family , meditate , read , workout , travel and listen to great music . He wants to learn how to relax more and turn off his brain , when not at work .
- Written by Dee Howard Mullins
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2022 | 19