When floodwaters ravaged parts of South Central Texas earlier this summer, the tragedy extended far beyond the Guadalupe River. Lives were lost, communities shaken, and families displaced in what has become one of the region’s most devastating natural disasters. Strategos Partner Todd Dallas Lamb, host of the On the Clock education leadership podcast and a former U.S. Department of Education appointee, had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. John Craft, superintendent of Northside Independent School District (ISD) in San Antonio, Texas, for an on-the-ground perspective of response from the education community.

Together, they explored the remarkable nature of a school-wide effort forged in Texas, anchored by determination, collaboration, and a sense of community that permeates all aspects of people's lives. The collective response to the crisis demonstrates an underlying spirit of togetherness that is evident on the athletic field, in classrooms, and in future initiatives that support the long-term objectives of everyone in the community.

As Lamb pointed out, the river flood story resonated nationally, especially the heartbreaking knowledge of children being dropped off for summer camp—a tradition that many families can easily relate to with deep compassion. “It seems your schools have greatly stepped up to support displaced families,” said Lamb.

Immediately following the storm’s devastation, schools rose—not just as institutions of learning, but as vital centers of compassion, coordination, and support. “We're about 40 miles southeast [of the flooding],” said Dr. John Craft. “Many of the communities and school districts affected are in our regional service area, Region 20. It's hit pretty close to home. We have families in our district and nearby that have all been impacted.”

For Craft and his colleagues across Texas, the question was never whether they would respond—but how quickly and how comprehensively.

The School as a Lifeline

Craft described the response from Texas educators as swift, unified, and deeply personal.

“That’s the great thing about the collegial power of superintendents—not only here in Region 20 and South Central Texas, but across the state,” said Craft. “In times of tragedy—Uvalde was another great example—we pull together.”

The response rippled well beyond thoughts and prayers. School counselors, many of whom were technically on summer break, volunteered without hesitation to provide grief and crisis counseling in affected towns such as Kerrville and Comfort.

“They have willingly volunteered—‘Tell us where we need to be,’ they said—and they’re working within communities as we speak,” said Craft. “The emotional recovery from this tragedy will take time, but our districts are united in providing help.”

Lamb contemplated the broader context, summing up the national reaction: “Across this country, we’re all Texans this week.” He noted how schools returning to their original purpose—as community anchors—reveal their essential role in times of need. “It seems to me that your schools are probably a resource for all manner of folks who have been displaced,” he said. “You’re getting back to the original concept of a school as a resource to the community, aren’t you?”

The Texas Spirit of Resilience

What fuels this kind of response? According to Craft, it’s a deeply ingrained culture and one born from generations of resilience and shared purpose.

“We are,” Craft affirmed, “a special breed of cat.”

As a seventh-generation Texan, he connects the educational response to crisis with a much larger ethos. “There’s an ingrained sense of community support—of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps and completing a mission, however difficult. And this is definitely one of those times.”

Yet according to Craft, the culture of community doesn’t emerge overnight. In Texas, it plays out every week during football season, in school stadiums, music halls, and classrooms.

Friday Night Lights and Beyond

“When I’ve toured schools in Texas,” Lamb said, “you really get a sense of community. Even if your kid doesn’t play, people still go to those games.”

In Northside ISD, where 12 high schools field sports teams, community gathering isn’t reserved just for Friday nights. “We play Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,” Craft noted, “and it’s not just the athletes. It’s the bands, the choir that sings the national anthem, the cheerleaders, the dance teams.”

Even more than entertainment, these events form the backbone of a broader community structure and one that fosters leadership, collaboration, and personal growth.

“I played quarterback, free safety, and linebacker,” said Craft, reflecting on his own high school sports experience. “Athletics taught me about teamwork and overcoming odds. These are lessons I carried into coaching and now into my role as superintendent.”

He added, “Those skills—resilience, support, leadership—they're often taught outside the classroom. And they’re irreplaceable.”

Production Learning as a Launchpad

That same sense of opportunity extends into Northside ISD’s production learning programs. With the installation of large video boards at district stadiums, students in the Communication Arts magnet program are gaining hands-on experience in live event production that ranges from broadcasting to editing.

“There are so many careers in sports and entertainment,” said Craft. “These programs give students the chance to learn practical skills while still in high school—skills they might not gain until college or on the job.”

Lamb echoed the sentiment. “When my son played soccer, the game was student-led with student announcers, student statisticians, and student producers. What a great array of options you get just from a football game, where you don’t even have to put the pads on.”

Building the Future: Early College High School

This fall, Northside ISD is launching a new early college high school, demonstrating yet another example of how concrete initiatives back the district’s culture of community. “The intent,” Craft said, “is to provide students the opportunity to earn an associate degree upon graduation.”

Through a partnership with Alamo Colleges and Northwest Vista College, students will be able to graduate high school with up to 60 college credit hours, giving them a head start on postsecondary education—and saving families tens of thousands of dollars.

Craft is equally excited about the district’s collaboration with St. Mary’s University, which will fund graduate degrees for high school teachers in core subjects, allowing them to teach more dual-credit courses.

“My own kids took advantage of AP and dual credit,” Craft said. “It’s a tremendous benefit to families and gives students a leg up as they transition to college.”

A Culture of Community—Backed by Action

Far too often, the phrase “school community” is used without weight. Yet in Northside ISD and across Texas school districts, that community is a living, breathing force. Whether it’s answering the call during natural disasters, rallying behind Friday night games, mentoring students through media programs, or launching early college initiatives, the message is the same: real support correlates with real work.

“The first and foremost teacher of every student is their parent, grandparent, or guardian. Schools can’t succeed without that engagement—and we take that responsibility seriously,” emphasized Craft.

In the eyes of Dr. John Craft, leadership isn't about titles. It's about showing up, stepping up, and bringing others with you—especially when the stakes are high.

As Lamb concluded, “Our hearts go out to your community, Dr. Craft. From your lips to God’s ears—there will be brighter days ahead for South Central Texas.”