3 minute read

New Superintendent Aims to Put Students in the Spotlight

Next Article
Kittens Take Over the Library

Kittens Take Over the Library

by Linda A. Thornton
The strengths of Georgetown ISD are impressive and the possibilities for our community’s future are exciting.

-Dr. Devin Padavil, GISD Superintendent

With innovative and cutting-edge programs, a concentration on students as individuals, and a tradition of high expectations, GISD has garnered much attention. Most recently, The Daytripper host Chet Garner attended and created a video post from GISD’s 2023 State of the District, which showcased students and their impressive accomplishments ranging from five-star restaurant quality samples from the culinary program to an electric car built by the automotive tech department.

Though perfectly content as superintendent of the Taylor school district for the past three years, Dr. Devin Padavil felt drawn to the Georgetown community, its distinctive culture, and the opportunity to lead GISD into a bright future following Dr. Fred Brent’s announcement of his retirement as superintendent.

Taking GISD To The Next Level

Born in Illinois, Dr. Padavil moved to Texas at the age of 21 and has called it home ever since. He was inspired to pursue a career in education after one of his high school teachers helped turn his life around and gave him a sense of direction. After earning a Doctor of Education degree, he served as a middle school English teacher and was recognized as Campus Teacher of the Year. In 2015, he was honored to be named Region XIII High School Principal of the Year, having led Hendrickson High School to its first appearance in U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools. In 2016–2017, he was president of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, the largest state association of principals in the nation.

In his new role as GISD superintendent, Dr. Padavil will oversee the district’s operational policies, objectives, and initiatives as well as its short- and longterm financial goals. Having officially taken the helm on August 7 with the intent to improve every student’s academic experience, Dr. Padavil says his initial approach will be to listen and learn from the students, faculty, and families. He looks forward to settling his family in Georgetown, becoming a part of the community, and playing a pivotal role in guiding GISD into its next level of achievements. “The strengths of Georgetown ISD are impressive and the possibilities for our community’s future are exciting.”

Board of Trustees

GISD is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees who all serve a three-year term without compensation. Elections are held in May and all members are at-large — serving the entire ISD boundary rather than specific districts. Their responsibilities include hiring and evaluating the superintendent, establishing and evaluating goals and policies, and approving the school district’s budget. They also play an active role in community public relations.

Current Trustees:

Here are just a few exciting things happening at GISD:

Unique programs in aerospace and rocketry.

A workforce development program that partners with local chambers of commerce to inform the district’s design of student programs around growing area industries.

Certification (CTE) programs prepare students to head directly into a career after high school.

Funded by the 2021 GISD bond, the Future Ready Complex will soon become a reality. The stateof-the-art facility will provide advanced career and technical education and is scheduled to open in 2024.

More articles from this publication:
This article is from:

Georgetown View Magazine • September 2023