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Posted August 12, 2024

During a special-called meeting, the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Board of Trustees unanimously approved the hiring of Thompson & Horton, LLP, to assist in conducting a search for the district’s next superintendent of schools. The decision followed the Board’s extensive review of the firm’s qualifications and processes as well as a formal presentation regarding their services.

“Thompson & Horton bring a wealth of experience and proven track record of success, both qualities we believe are essential in this vital process,” said Dr. Marilyn Tolbert, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Board President. “We look forward to working closely with their team to find a leader who reflects the priorities of the district and expectations of our community.”

The firm has had experience in conducting executive searches and recruiting school superintendents since 1999. Since that time, the firm has assisted school districts across Texas including Pflugerville ISD, McKinney ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Northside ISD, and Leander ISD, to name a few. According to their presentation, Thompson & Horton has never worked with a district in which a superintendent was not successfully hired.

Over the fall 2024 semester, Thompson and Horton will assist the Board with advertising and recruiting for the superintendent position, screening applicant qualifications, coordinating interviews, consulting with the Board, and supporting all other aspects of the search process. The fee for these professional services is $24,000 plus travel and expenses.

A key component of their services will be facilitating community engagement through focus groups and community survey opportunities, and providing information analysis to Trustees for consideration during interviews.

“It is important to us as a Board that the process includes opportunities for our community to have a voice in building a profile of the characteristics, qualities, and leadership focus we desire in our next superintendent,” Tolbert said. “Thompson & Horton’s process ensures that constituents and opinion leaders have an opportunity to give input that will help shape the future of our district.”

The search consultants will present their plan and timeline during the public reports at the monthly Board of Trustees meeting on August 26. They will continue to provide periodic reports to the Board regarding the status of the search and will be in regular contact with the Board President throughout the entire process. Information regarding the search process will be available on the district website as details are finalized.