William (Bill) Harp
Assistant Superintendent, School Services
Pleasant Grove Independent School District
LT Class of 2012
What have you learned most about making a difference in Texarkana (or about your opportunity for community leadership) from being a part of Leadership Texarkana?
LT has provided me the opportunity to get to know a wider group of people who are not in educational related careers. The people I have met over the years are extremely diverse and have different ideas as it relates to improving our city & immediate region. The commonality of thought is each person regardless of their business/personal situation wants what is best for Texarkana.
What does leadership mean to you?
A person must be willing to do what is right even when it is not popular and then have the courage/fortitude/willingness to stay the course. Regardless of your line of work there will be opportunities each day for leaders to take a easier route. Sometimes that choice might be the best course of action, most of the time it is not and as a leader you must be wired to do what is best for the company, students, organization etc...
For what community organization or issue or opportunity do you have a passion and invest your time, talent or money?
I prefer to work with groups/organizations that benefit and support students/young kids.
If you had one wish and could make a difference of significance in Texarkana (your small corner) what would you do with that one wish and why?
Each person will put aside their individual concerns and do what is best for Texarkana and immediate area.
What do many people not know about you that you would to share with us? What are some of your passions and hobbies?
I have not lived in one place (city) for more than eight years.
I enjoy a variety of outdoor related activities, woodworking & antique restoration and I have a large collection U.S. stamps from 1800’s thru present day.
What do you most love to do in Texarkana?
Support the locally owned & operated restaurants such as Pop’s, LaFogata’s, Joe’s, Pecan Point & Hopkins to name a few.
What do you most love about Texarkana, in general?
Accessibility to outdoor recreation and larger cities in three different states. gives people a variety of choices/opportunities.
Bill Harp is the Director of School Services at Pleasant Grove ISD. He has held teaching, athletic coaching, campus and district level administration positions in public education. Bill is committed to providing each student with a solid foundation as they enter the next stage of their lives. Bill has twenty nine years experience in education and graduated from East Texas State University. He earned his Masters in Education Administration from Texas A&M Commerce. In addition to serving on the Leadership Texarkana Board of Directors since 2012, Bill is on the Texas A&M-Texarkana, Eagle Club Board of Directors and serves Williams Memorial UMC on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and is a member of the Texarkana Oaklawn Rotary Club.