Maurice Henry Director of Facilities & Transportation, Hope Public Schools

By AAEA, 04/15/22 4:26 PM

editor’s note:  This article was published by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.  It is used by permission.

 

Maurice Henry, Director of Facilities & Transportation for Hope Public Schools, says he became interested in working in the field of education while still a student himself. “When I was a student in high school, Agri teachers kept me involved in the building, cutting, and hauling commodities for the food service to all school campuses. With that said, I got plenty of snacks and I enjoyed the young students.” After high school, he attended Red River Technical Vocational School. Upon graduation, he began working at Hope Public Schools, where he remains now 35 years later.

 

Others might describe Maurice as someone who puts others first and is always happy. He believes that his calling is to help people and says that if he weren’t in his current position, he would still be serving people somehow. Maurice says his goal is always to be a better person as he serves in the district and community. He says the best advice he has received is to love the people around you and the people will never forget your kindness. Over the course of his career, he has received several awards, including the ASPMA Blue Ribbon award, the National School Plant Manager of the Year award, and the UAHT Outstanding Alum of the Year award.

 

Maurice’s favorite part about his job is having opportunities to serve the students over the years. He says, “It brings me joy seeing them now as adults making a difference in our community.” As a Director of Facilities & Transportation, the most challenging part of his job is keeping both students and staff safe, with special concern for the students that ride the school bus daily. To those considering a similar career, he advises they “pray for patience each morning before getting out of bed.”

 

Many people might be surprised to learn that Maurice is active in ministry. During his time off, he enjoys spending time with his immediate and extended family and his animals. When asked what he is most proud of, he replies, “[I am] grateful for my children and the opportunity to be a part of their lives. I’m grateful to God for this.”