From student to principal, a legacy of leadership in South Oak Cliff
October is National Principals Month, and The Beat is sharing profiles of some of Dallas ISD’s outstanding principals to recognize the work they do in leading their schools and students to success.
Chara K. Pace, principal of Clinton P. Russell Elementary School, grew up surrounded by the joy of education. Inspired by her mother, a dedicated 34-year Dallas ISD teacher in South Oak Cliff, Pace joined the profession hoping to find the same sense of fulfilment in her own journey as an educator.
From her beginnings as a student in South Oak Cliff to her current role as principal in the very neighborhood she grew up in, Pace exemplifies what it means to turn a vision of change into lasting success.
“I was the child of an educator, so that’s all I really knew growing up,” Pace said. “I have only ever taught here in South Oak Cliff, and I don’t ever see myself leaving.”
Pace’s leadership journey began as a student at Skyline High School where she served as the drum major and active member in several student organizations. These early experiences prepared her to lead with confidence and purpose, she said.
After graduating from Baylor University, Pace began her teaching career at the now closed Erasmo Seguin Learning Center before the school was absorbed into Clinton P. Russell. Three years ago, her life came full circle when she became principal at Russell, the very place where she got her start.
“The joy of teaching was seeing the change in students over time,” she said. “Watching them grow academically and socially, and knowing I had an impact on them by the end of the year was amazing.”
Before becoming principal, Pace also served as an instructional coach at Daniel Webster Elementary School and as an assistant principal at Rosemont School. Pace is continuing her leadership journey in education, currently pursuing a doctoral degree at East Texas A&M University.
“I believe that every scholar who walks through our doors deserves a safe, nurturing and equitable learning experience,” Pace said.
In the few years she has been at Clinton P. Russell, Pace has taken the school through a remarkable transformation, by leading the campus to earn an A rating from the Texas Education Agency.
To achieve this, she created schoolwide systems that strengthened the school’s structure, including frameworks for student behavior, teacher feedback, and community involvement.
“I’ve been very intentional about bringing the community in,” she said. “We have parents who come every single day to help in the cafeteria during lunch. It’s important for students to see their families at school.”
She also has implemented systems for student rewards and celebrations, creating a culture that uplifts both students and teachers. Her greatest accomplishment, Pace said, has been building a strong and positive school culture that uses house systems and a campuswide student store to foster teamwork and belonging.
With community at the center of her vision as an educator, Pace said she has always known that she would stay in the community that shaped her. This has opened up opportunities for her to inspire the next generation of student leaders and to lead Russell Elementary to high distinctions, including being named a Dallas County Catalyst Campus for outstanding academic growth.
“I would tell any future principal who is looking to make a significant impact to always do what they know is best for students,” she said. “Always lead with your heart, know your why, and remember the reason that you came into your profession.”
