PORT NECHES — Discipline, dedication and hard work will get you far in life, just ask Port Neches-Groves Independent School District Superintendent Mike Gonzales.

Gonzales took the helm at PNGISD earlier this week and counts family as a big part of who he is. He is dad to daughter Victoria, who is an Indianette at the high school, and Karisa, who is involved in middle school athletics. He is also husband to wife Dana, a teacher.

“These,” Gonzales said “Are the things that keep me busy. Being a dad and a husband are my biggest jobs, even bigger than this job.”

When Gonzales was officially hired his family was in attendance, many of which made the eight-hour trip from his hometown of Mercedes, Texas.

“It’s important to realize you can accomplish anything you want in life,” he said. Once a high school athlete, Gonzales was a average student putting forth just enough effort to get by. He used an analogy to explain. “I got my Christmas gift after Christmas. As I got older and more mature I realized how important education and school were and that in order to be successful I needed a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree, then a doctorate.”

He said he felt there is always more to learn and as he got older he became more disciplined.

“Everyone has a gift. Some people open their gift early, some open their gift late,” he said. “If Mike Gonzales can accomplish this, be a leader at Port Neches-Groves ISD, anybody can.”

As he reached milestones on his educational journey he thanked his wife of 23 years and his parents.

“I have dedicated parents,” he said. “They never told me that I couldn’t do it. They always encouraged me. When I earned my bachelor’s my dad said he was proud of me, and then asked what’s next. When I earned my master’s my dad said he was proud of me, and then asked what’s next. It’s important for parents to tell their children how proud they are and to also ask what’s next. Tell them I believe you can accomplish your next goal.”

Growing up in South Texas Gonzales was not without; his parents provided for his and his sisters needs. Looking back he sees their strong marriage and how they worked and only had one vehicle between them. At one time his dad bought him and his sister a vehicle while his dad and mom shared one vehicle. His dad finally got his own vehicle, a 1990’s model truck given by Gonzales, son to father.

Gonzales previously served as assistant superintendent for administrative services at PNG from 2011-2017. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University in 2013. He also acquired a master’s degree from Lamar University in 2002 and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from The University of Texas Edinburg.

Gonzales was born and raised in the lower Rio Grand Valley.  He lived in Mercedes, Texas and Graduated from Mercedes High School in 1989.

He has 22 years of elementary and secondary experience. He currently holds three Texas Educator Certificates in the areas of classroom teacher (1-8), principal and superintendent early childhood-12.

Gonzales is getting settled in in his new superintendent position. He’s already sat down with central office staff, whom he thinks highly of, and is looking towards the districts future needs.

One such need is to reduce the budget, which often doesn’t go hand in hand with employee morale. He plans to get more teachers involved and give them a voice.

“It’s important as central office administrator to be better listeners, to really listen to our staff,” he said. “They are extremely important, without them we are nothing and we’re smart enough to know any success we have is due to the staff. I think the front line, working hand-in-hand with parents, with students, it’s important to hear what they have to say.”

The district’s facility issues are not forgotten in the grand scheme of things. Some district buildings are fairly old and in need of a facelift and — if there the funding was there, then a bond would be in the future.

The district has seen and will see more changes with retirements and other employee moves. Julie Gauthier, who served a principal at Ridgewood Elementary School, moved to assistant superintendent for administrative services. Marc Keith, assistant superintendent for student services, was recently named lone finalist for the superintendent’s spot at Tarkington ISD. Amy Gil, principal at Port Neches Elementary School and Fae Sandifer, principal at Woodcrest Elementary School, are both set to retire at the end of the school year.