Flour Bluff's Steinbruck balances new administrative role with football duties

Chris Steinbruck said his new role at Flour Bluff ISD is not unlike that of his student-athletes at Flour Bluff High School.

During the work day Steinbruck will handle the day-to-day role of leading FBISD as interim superintendent.

Before and after that time, the longtime educator and coach will spend his time leading the highly successful Hornets football team as head coach.

On Thursday, during a special meeting, the FBISD Board of Trustees named Steinbruck the district's interim superintendent following the retirement of Velma Soliz-Garcia, moving straight from his role as athletic director and head football coach into district administration.

"With public education becoming more challenging, I have an opportunity to rally the community of Flour Bluff, North Padre Island and NAS Corpus Christi behind our teachers and what they are doing," Steinbruck said.

"I am thankful the board has the confidence in me to help make sure this is a seamless transition."

Steinbruck said relinquishing his role as head football coach midseason while also assuming new duties was never a thought. He has handed off his athletic director responsibilities to longtime defensive coordinator and head boys track coach Clynt Elwood.

"Our personality as Hornets is that we are going to finish what we start," Steinbruck said. "That was something that was non-negotiable. We have to take care of our team and kids. I've taken on their role — academics and education during the day and putting on that hat on the field and focusing on their needs and what the team needs to get better.

"I've made a commitment to that team, and that is still going to be there, but the district needed someone to step into this role and I'm honored they have that trust in me."

Steinbruck, who has worked within the district for 22 years, the last 10 as athletic director, completed a superintendent program at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi after the advice of former principal and superintendent Joe Kelly.

Steinbruck said he considers Kelly a mentor and someone he will be able to lean on to understand what to prioritize as interim superintendent.

Steinbruck said his experience as athletic director can be beneficial in his new role.

"You are always on alert," Steinbruck said. "You are always evaluating every day and finding ways to get better. We've done a good job as an athletic program. Bringing that to this side of the street is something that is going to be a huge pro for me. There are a lot of pieces that I will be able to carry over from the athletic role to superintendency."

Steinbruck said continuing his role as head football coach takes a lot of preparation on the weekends, but the consistency among his football staff helps to make sure everything is taken care of.

"It is a ton of prep on the weekend," Steinbruck said. "I spent all day Saturday and Sunday gameplanning and making sure our staff has what they need to get ready for this week's game. Then getting caught up on all the emails. Fortunately on both sides of the street we have an amazing group of people. Everybody has rallied behind this.

"The hours are there, but putting this district first is something I've always done for 22 years and I'm going to continue to do that as long as I'm a Hornet."

Steinbruck said he hopes to be considered for the position full-time.

"I am going to do the very best job I can, day by day and find ways to improve the district," Steinbruck said. "I hope that my work and dedication to the district will give me an opportunity to apply for the position and be considered."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Flour Bluff's Chris Steinbruck balances superintendent role with football