In February, Dallas ISD hired Karry Chapman as the interim director of Human Capital Management.
Chapman has 16 years of leadership experience in human resources for school districts in North Texas. With Chapman leading the Dallas ISD department for one month as of March 17, The Hub caught up with the Baylor University graduate to see how the job has gone so far.
Below is a transcribed copy of the conversation.
Why did you want to become the HCM interim director?
Chapman: I served in another school district in a similar interim capacity. When Dallas ISD interviewed me, it seemed my skills would fit well with what was needed for this position. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Miles and the team that leads the district, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with them.
How has the job gone so far?
Chapman: It’s gone really well. I enjoy the people and there is a lot of work to be done. The team I work with is awesome and very, very busy. This is the busiest time of year in any human resources department.
Considering the recent outside attention on HCM, what is the culture like inside the department?
Chapman: They just want the limelight off of them and to be able to do their work. I have only seen hard working people that are doing exactly what I would expect them to be doing. They have worked very hard to maintain their focus and not be distracted by the elevated media attention. I am proud of the work they are doing.
What drew you to the human resources field in the first place?
Chapman: My close friends have always told me I seemed to be comfortable interacting with people. I feel that being in human resources fits my personality and skill set. It is very rewarding work and I feel privileged to be here.
What is your background?
Chapman: I’ve worked for 31 years in education. For 17 years, I was in the classroom teaching. I then spent 15 years working in HR before I retired. After I retired, I went back to work for three more years in HR on an interim basis.
How has the Dallas ISD job compared to your other human resources positions?
Chapman: Dallas ISD has very similar issues and challenges as any other human resources department, just on a larger scale. We serve a very large client base here in Dallas ISD, and have a lot of great people to help serve those customers. I already feel very welcomed and very much at home.
