Looking at which D-FW superintendent openings are filled

DALLAS — There has been a latest rise in superintendents leaving the training business in elements of the U.S., forcing many districts to cope with shifts of their management groups.

North Texas is in the midst of its personal transition interval. Since November 2021, 10 superintendents from 10 native college districts have introduced they are leaving, resigning or retiring from their management positions. 

Three occurred on the identical day: Jan. 13, 2022.

These 10 superintendents embody:

• Little Elm ISD superintendent Daniel Gallagher (introduced Feb. 14, 2022)
• Plano ISD superintendent Sara Bonser (introduced Jan. 26, 2022)
• Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa (introduced Jan. 13, 2022)
• Fort Worth ISD superintendent Kent Scribner (introduced Jan. 13, 2022)
• Northwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Ryder Warren (introduced Jan. 13, 2022)
• Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Superintendent Steve Chapman (introduced Dec. 14, 2021)
• Richardson ISD superintendent Jeannie Stone (introduced Dec. 13, 2021)
• Mesquite ISD Superintendent David Vroonland (introduced Dec. 13, 2021)
• DeSoto ISD Superintendent D’Andre Weaver (introduced Nov. 15, 2021)
• Lewisville ISD Superintendent Kevin Rogers (introduced Nov. 2, 2021)

RELATED: In lower than 4 months, 10 North Texas superintendents announce they are leaving

In the wake of those bulletins, a number of North Texas college boards have met to debate COVID insurance policies and instructor retention points. Some districts have even requested mother and father to volunteer to cowl lessons due to excessive substitute instructor shortages.

While some superintendent positions have been filled, different districts are nonetheless on the lookout for the precise candidates. 

Here is a more in-depth look at the place issues stand at the second.

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa is stepping down from the place after greater than six years in his most up-to-date stint within the function, in accordance with a district press release despatched out Jan. 13, 2022. 

Hinojosa, who will go away his publish in December 2022, spent 42 years in public training and 13 years as Dallas ISD superintendent total. 

Hinojosa stated he has had talks with the board and that they knew he could not be superintendent for one more 10 years. 

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has begun a nationwide superintendent search. After initially hiring two regulation corporations to assist discover Hinojosa’s substitute, the Austin-based regulation agency Walsh Gallegos is main that change for the district.

From April 11-14, 2022, the district held periods speaking with mother and father and other people from the neighborhood to speak about what they count on from the brand new superintendent.

RELATED: Dallas ISD superintendent particulars his determination to resign from his publish at the tip of 2022

During a closed session on May 18, 2022, board members named Dr. Stephanie Elizalde because the lone finalist to grow to be the district’s subsequent superintendent.

A local Texan, Elizalde is at present the superintendent of Austin ISD. She served as Chief of School Leadership for Dallas ISD earlier than transferring onto Austin ISD.

Elizalde first joined Dallas ISD in 2011 as Director of Mathematics within the division of Teaching and Learning.

Throughout her training profession, Elizalde has served college students as a instructor, a principal, an assistant superintendent and different roles. Along with Dallas ISD and Austin ISD, she has additionally labored in Southwest ISD and San Antonio ISD.

Elizalde was named one in every of 4 Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Hispanics in Education in 2014. The Dallas Morning News additionally named her a “Point Person” for her work in the neighborhood in 2016.

Elizalde has been awarded the UT-Austin Dr. Nolan Estes Leadership Ascension Award 4 instances, most just lately in 2017.

Elizalde is a third-generation public college educator, following in her grandmother’s and father’s footsteps.

RELATED: Dallas ISD names Stephanie Elizalde as lone finalist for superintendent

The DeSoto Independent School District Superintendent D’Andre Weaver submitted his resignation on November 2021, and the varsity Board of Trustees voted unanimously to just accept it throughout a November board assembly.

DeSoto ISD provided more details in December on what the superintendent search course of would appear to be for the district’s board. 

The district later announced the board voted to approve Dr. Larry Lewis as interim superintendent throughout a particular referred to as assembly on Dec. 15, 2021.

On Jan. 28, 2022, DeSoto ISD posted on its website that district leaders are working with the O’Hanlon, Demerath and Castillo Law Firm to seek out the subsequent superintendent.

The software and posting opened Jan. 25, 2022 by means of the regulation agency’s web site.

On Feb. 28, 2022, The district’s college board held a closed session the place members opened its “Superintendent Search application process.”

On April 21, 2022, the district’s Board of Trustees named Dr. Usamah Rodgers because the lone finalist for the superintendent place. Trustees voted to approve the choice at a particular referred to as assembly held on April 20, 2022.

Rodgers began within the training business as a instructor earlier than turning into Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal and Campus Principal.

She later transitioned to govt management roles as an govt director and, most just lately, because the Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives in Dallas ISD, in accordance with Desoto ISD.

“The Board’s hiring of Dr. Rodgers ensures that our kids’ needs are at the forefront of the district’s focus given her extensive work in shaping and preparing students for college and career readiness. As a Board, we are excited about the opportunity for Dr. Rodgers to join DeSoto ISD and lead the work of improving climate, culture, safety, and security while increasing the rigor and standards of the district in an effort to continue our work of improving student outcomes,” stated DeSoto ISD Board President DeAndrea Fleming.  “Dr. Rodgers has demonstrated her ability to do this work at a high level throughout her proven tenure as a teacher, campus leader, and central office administrator.”  

RELATED: DeSoto ISD college board accepts superintendent’s resignation

On Jan. 13, 2022, Fort Worth Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner introduced that is he’s stepping down from his place. His final day will probably be in August 2022.

Scribner tweeted that he knowledgeable the district’s Board of Trustees of his plans a month previous to his announcement. A district press release stated he formally knowledgeable them on Dec. 16, 2021. 

His contract formally expires on Aug. 31, 2024.

Scribner has led the district since Oct. 15, 2015.

Fort Worth ISD’s board first mentioned Scribner’s retirement throughout a closed session of a Jan. 18 assembly.

Later in March, Fort Worth ISD released the district’s agenda for the Board of Education Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 29.

The launch stated there could be a dialogue about Scribner’s retirement settlement and launch as an worker throughout this assembly.

During this assembly, the board and Scribner agreed upon him formally stepping down as superintendent on August 31, 2022.

Under the board merchandise unanimously authorised by trustees, Scribner will proceed to serve in an advisory capability by means of February 2023.

In a joint assertion launched by the board and Scribner after the assembly, it learn partially:

“Dr. Scribner thanks present and past trustees for providing him with the opportunity to serve the Fort Worth Independent School District. A school district is measured by the commitment of the Board, staff and community to its children and their achievements. This District is, indeed, so committed. Dr. Scribner also expresses his heartfelt appreciation to the staff and community for their support of the District’s programs and services during his time as Superintendent.”

During the assembly, the board additionally mentioned authorized recommendation that must be taken concerning a possible contract with a superintendent search agency.

Starting May 16, 2022, district leaders are going to be organising and internet hosting community events to get enter about what must be anticipated from the subsequent superintendent. They additionally created an online survey that will probably be open till May 27, 2022.

RELATED: Fort Worth ISD superintendent Kent Scribner stepping down

Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District Superintendent Steve Chapman despatched out a press release on Dec. 14, 2021, that stated he could be retiring at the tip of the varsity 12 months.

Chapman has been in training since 1984, beginning his profession in San Angelo ISD earlier than transferring to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD in 1986.

In March, the district released an announcement saying that the HEB Independent Board of Trustees named Joseph Harrington because the lone finalist for the district’s superintendent place.

Harrington has spent 35 years in training. He at present serves because the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Educational Operations and beforehand served as the varsity district’s Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration. 

“Every student, teacher, and supporting employee has a unique story and pathway to success,” Harrington said in the district’s press release. “HEB ISD is a special place because this community believes we all have a responsibility to enable students to thrive – we truly are better together.”

Before he joined Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD in 2013, Harrington taught science and highschool biology, and coached college students for 16 years in three states. He ultimately turned an assistant principal and principal in Northwest ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

School board president Matt Romero stated Harrington is a good match to steer the district. 

“Joe understands that empowering each scholar to excel whereas sustaining our tasks to the local people requires strategic planning and clear communication,” Romero stated.

Harrington accomplished his doctorate in instructional management from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. Harrington and Jenny, his spouse of 33 years, stay in Euless and attend Ash Lane Methodist Church.

RELATED: Schools at Cedar Hill ISD, Coppell ISD, HEB ISD transfer to digital studying because of instances of COVID-19

Little Elm Independent School District superintendent Daniel Gallagher introduced on Feb. 14, 2022, his intentions to retire from his function at the tip of 2023.

Gallagher’s final day as Little Elm ISD superintendent, a publish he had held since 2017, is slated to come back on Dec. 31 of that 12 months — greater than 22 months after his Monday announcement date.

Little Elm ISD’s Board of Trustees will start discussing its seek for Gallagher’s substitute at a future assembly, a recent press release said.

As of May 10, 2022, there was no replace on the superintendent search course of.

RELATED: Little Elm superintendent publicizes intentions to retire at the tip of 2023

Dr. Kevin Rogers, who was named Lewisville Independent School District Superintendent of Schools in May 2015, introduced in November 2021 that he was going to retire, in accordance with a district press release.

Rogers’ final day was Jan. 31, 2022. Soon after the November 2021 announcement, the Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees started the seek for the district’s subsequent superintendent.

On Jan. 25, 2022, the Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees introduced it had voted unanimously to call Lori Rapp because the lone finalist for superintendent.

Rapp most just lately served as Deputy Superintendent for Lewisville ISD. She additionally labored for the district within the roles of Chief Learning and Teaching officer, Executive Director of Learning Design and Support, Director of PreK-12 Curriculum, and classroom instructor. 

All of Rapp’s 26-year profession in training has been in Lewisville ISD.

RELATED: Lewisville ISD publicizes lone finalist for superintendent

“The Board of Trustees is confident we have found the best candidate to continue LISD’s achievements and lead this exceptional district to new heights,” Board President Tracy Scott Miller stated. “I’d like to thank the LISD staff, community and students for providing their input during our search for our next leader. It has been truly uplifting to see how engaged our stakeholders are in the future of our district.”

During her tenure in Lewisville ISD administration, Rapp helped set up the district’s Programs of Choice, which consists of the LISD STEM Academy at the elementary and center college ranges, the Collegiate Academy at TCHS, world language packages, the tuition-based Discovery Academy.

In the January announcement, Rogers provided his assist for Rapp.

“I’ve known Dr. Rapp for many years, and there’s no question Lori has always been a natural leader,” Dr. Rogers stated. “She embodies everything that makes LISD the incredible district it is today – innovative, world-class, and simply remarkable. She was a driving force behind many of the positive changes we implemented as a district during my tenure as superintendent. I heard from so many staff and community members saying they believed she had earned this opportunity, and most importantly, that she was prepared for it. She has the dedication, knowledge and heart that is so important to the LISD community, and I am thrilled to see where she takes this district next.”

On Feb. 17, 2022, Rapp spent her first day on the job assembly with the scholars and academics of Lewisville ISD. Her first cease was Peter’s Colony Elementary. Rapp then traveled all through the district to congratulate its 10 Teacher of the Year Finalists.

“I will truly remember this day for the rest of my life,” Rapp stated at the tip of the day. “What a special way to start off this superintendency.”

Throughout the subsequent few months, Rapp will proceed to make her approach throughout the district assembly with campus management and employees, central directors and neighborhood leaders.

Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland introduced he would retire from his place on June 30, 2022, in accordance with a district press release from Dec. 13, 2021.

Vroonland turned superintendent of Mesquite ISD on July 1, 2015. 

On Feb. 15, 2022, the Mesquite Independent School District introduced deputy superintendent Ángel Rivera because the lone finalist for the district’s high job.

Texas regulation requires a 21-day ready interval earlier than Rivera can formally be named superintendent. As such, his first official day as superintendent arrived on March 8, 2022.

Rivera, an Army veteran, grew up in Boston and Puerto Rico earlier than becoming a member of the navy in 1992. After seven years of service, he moved to the Houston space, the place he taught center college science within the Pasadena Independent School District.

Rivera later moved into administration, as a principal after which as an space director for the Garland Independent School District. In 2018, he got here to Mesquite because the district’s Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.

Rivera has a bachelor’s diploma from University of Houston-Clear Lake, a grasp’s diploma from the University of St. Thomas and a doctorate of training from Stephen F. Austin State University. 

RELATED: Mesquite ISD names lone finalist for superintendent place

The Northwest Independent School District Board of Trustees introduced Jan. 13, 2022, that Superintendent Dr. Ryder Warren will retire in July 2022. The board has begun the search course of for his substitute.

Northwest ISD trustees stated they are getting assist in the search from the Mansfield regulation agency Leasor Crass, which is on the lookout for candidates that meet trustees’ desired traits and recommending these candidates to the varsity board.

On March 29, 2022, the Northwest ISD’s board stated it had unanimously authorised Dr. David Hicks because the lone finalist to grow to be the district’s subsequent superintendent.

Hicks beforehand labored for Sherman Independent School District, which he led for the final six years. Prior to that function, he served as the world superintendent overseeing all secondary colleges at Denton ISD.

In a press launch, Northwest ISD stated partially:

“Hicks has established a reputation of supporting students and educators with strong learning environments that collaborate with the local community. He brings experience from serving in fast-growth school districts, one of the main criteria used in the superintendent search process.”

Hicks additionally has earlier expertise as a principal and assistant principal at all campus ranges – elementary, center and highschool.

Additional quotes from all seven trustees and information in regards to the search course of are out there at www.nisdtx.org/lonefinalist.

RELATED: ‘It’s a battle I struggle nearly day by day’: Parents react to Northwest ISD’s short-term, COVID-related college closures

Plano superintendent Sara Bonser is retiring from her function with the district, in accordance with a press launch despatched out on Jan. 26, 2022. 

Bonner, who served a complete of 25 years for Plano ISD in numerous tutorial roles, advised the Plano ISD Board of Trustees in late January that she could be retiring as superintendent at the tip of the varsity 12 months so as to spend extra time with household “at a critical time.”

Bonser stated she is working with the Board of Trustees and administration through the transition. 

On Feb. 28, 2022, the district announced the Plano ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call Theresa Williams because the lone finalist for the district’s subsequent Superintendent of Schools.

Then on March 21, 2022, the board then voted unanimously to formally appoint Williams as superintendent.

Williams is a profession educator who has served as a instructor, college chief, district govt and deputy superintendent for 2 Texas college districts. As Deputy Superintendent in Plano ISD, Williams is accountable for helping the superintendent for the district’s 73 campuses and 6,500 staff.

“I cannot think of a higher honor than being entrusted to serve the students, staff and families of Plano ISD as superintendent,” Williams stated within the announcement. “I will work tirelessly, and with the highest level of integrity and commitment, for this community in order to ensure an exceptional educational experience for all students.”

RELATED: What is the most effective HS soccer rivalry in North Texas?

Speaking on behalf of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees, President David Stolle stated Williams’ private {and professional} story present that she is what “our community wants to see in our next leader.” 

“She is compassionate, student focused, of high moral character and has high expectations for student outcomes,” Stolle stated. “Our Board is assured now we have discovered the precise chief for Plano ISD. With her first-hand data of our district and a statewide fame for progressive management, we will seamlessly proceed our district’s legacy of excellence for all college students.”

Bonser stated she helps the board’s determination and Williams’ management.

“In addition to her data of efficient curriculum and educational practices, crew and expertise improvement, and monetary and strategic finances administration, one in every of her standout qualities is her collaborative and visionary management model,” Bonser stated.

Williams started her instructional profession in Garland ISD the place she taught highschool Spanish. During her tenure there, she held numerous campus and management positions together with director of scholar companies and director of particular packages. She went on to serve in a cabinet-level place as govt director of instructional operations.

Before becoming a member of Plano ISD’s govt management crew, Williams served 4 years as Lubbock ISD’s Deputy Superintendent. During her tenure there, she led the design of the district’s strategic plan.

“I feel driven as an educator to ensure that students of all backgrounds feel safe and secure about who they are,” Williams stated. “Students should feel welcomed, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to school.”

Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Texas Tech University and later earned a Master of Science, Educational Leadership and Administration, and a doctorate of training from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

In 2021, Williams was introduced as one in every of 9 folks nationwide to be a part of the sixth cohort of the Chiefs for Change management improvement program.

Williams and her husband, Todd Williams, are the mother and father of two sons. 

“I lead with the heart of a parent, and my sons inspire me every day to promote the quality of education and learning experiences I would expect for my own children,” she stated. 

State regulation requires a 21-day ready interval following the naming of a lone finalist earlier than formally hiring a superintendent.

RELATED: Plano ISD superintendent Sara Bonser publicizes plans to retire at finish of faculty 12 months

On Dec. 13, 2021, Richardson Independent School District introduced in a press release the district’s board had accepted the resignation of superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone. The determination was made throughout a college board assembly.

Shortly after the board’s determination, Stone was faraway from the Richardson ISD web site and changed with information on the interim superintendent, Tabitha Branum. 

On Jan. 20, 2022, an “Interim Superintendent Update” was posted to the Richardson ISD web site. In an hooked up video, Branum stated the district will probably be posting these month-to-month updates the place she discusses what’s occurring within the Richardson ISD lecture rooms and core-content areas.

In March, the district introduced trustees will plan to formally start the search course of following the outcomes of a May 7 board election, when three expiring board seats will probably be on the poll.

On May 6, 2022, Richardson ISD said it had employed the agency O’Hanlon, Demerath and Castillo to conduct a nationwide seek for a superintendent.

Through the month of May, the district stated the search agency will probably be conducting a sequence of alternatives for district stakeholders to supply enter into the traits and traits they wish to see within the subsequent superintendent.

On June 1, 2022, the place of the superintendent will probably be formally posted, and the search will formally start. The district has a objective to announce a ultimate candidate by July 18, 2022.

And, the district was in a position to meet that deadline objective. On July 18, the district introduced that present interim superintendent Tabitha Branum was the lone finalist for the open place.

According to the district, Branum started her classroom educating profession at Coppell ISD in 1997 and served as an assistant principal throughout her profession.

The district stated she joined Richardson ISD as an assistant superintendent of secondary instruction and operations in 2014. She then turned deputy superintendent and was named interim superintendent in December 2021 after Stone’s resignation.

RELATED: Richardson ISD board accepts resignation of Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone