By: Rachel Thompson
We often hear of the school to prison pipeline, however, Dr. Shelley McKinley’s goal is help as many adjudicated students return to their home communities with enhanced academic and vocational skills, thereby reducing recidivism. Dr. McKinley is a native Houstonian and three-time Texas Southern University graduate. She also happens to be the Superintendent of Schools for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). She has served in that capacity for one year. “It is my honor and privilege to lead a district that has so many dedicated teachers and administrators working in our schools with a focus on reading, writing across content areas, and vocational training.
Dedicated individuals stayed through the pandemic and are ready to bring back pre-pandemic best practices as well as implement new strategies,” said Dr. McKinley. “Since I was the Assistant Superintendent of Education for TJJD from 2016 – 2019, I knew my team and jumped at the opportunity to continue the great work that my predecessor started.”
