Brownwood ISD Board of Trustees are set to announce the lone finalist for the position of superintendent at a special called meeting of the board at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4th.
The board had hired the Region 15 Education Service Center to help in the search for a new superintendent. Region 15 Education Service Center is a non-regulatory agency which is one of 20 regional education service agencies that serve Texas educational needs.
According to Board President Michael Cloy, 30 applications were received. These applicants were narrowed to a pool of 7 candidates for first round interviews. Two candidates were brought back last week for a second round of interviews and the board will take a last vote for a lone finalist on Wednesday. Of the applicants, approximately 3 were female, one of which made it to the first round of interviews. The top two candidates are males and “both are very qualified,” according to Cloy.
Cloy stated that although this process of finding a lone finalist has been difficult, it has brought the board together as a “more unified body.”
“This was a very grueling process for the board, but it was very good for us,” said Cloy. “We are now better as a functional team than we ever have been.”
He explained that the group had a very intense second round of interviews and were able to ask in-depth questions of the candidates, sharing deep thoughts which helped the board to bond. This process helped the board to make a very thought out and informed decision, according to Cloy.
Cloy stated that he believes the board will come to a unanimous vote on Wednesday and that all seven who were interviewed were excellent candidates.
“I fully expect a unanimous vote, but things can change,” said Cloy, who explained that the board was very united in their opinions of the final candidates.
Once the lone finalist is named, there is a 21 day waiting period before the board can offer a contract. “I think the public is really going to be pleased with our selection,” said Cloy. “He is dynamic and a good speaker. He really researched our distict.”
During the September board meeting, the board accepted a retirement letter submitted by Dr. Reece Blincoe for the date of Dec. 18th as opposed to the previous release date of Jan 31st. An addendum approved during this meeting outlined the specifics of Blincoe’s separation from the district and benefits both parties, allowing Dr. Blincoe to seek other employment and allowing a new superintendent to begin January 4th instead of the previous date of February 1st. Blincoe has been on paid administrative leave through January 2016.
Deputy Superintendent Liesa Land was appointed as acting superintendent in February and will continue serving in this capacity until the new superintendent can begin in early January 2016. Cloy stated that Ms. Land has done a great job for the district during this time.
“Ms. Land has done a fantastic job keeping the ship afloat,” said Cloy. He explained that Land did not apply for the position because she lives outside the school district and did not wish to move. “She has done a great job and has been an excellent administrator. She has a heart of gold and a heart for this district,” said Cloy.
Land will return to her previous condition of Deputy Superintendent when the new superintendent begins in January.
