Introducing TASA’s redeveloped executive superintendent program

Introducing TASA’s

Redeveloped Executive Superintendent Program

This summer, TASA kicked off a reimagined and restructured executive superintendent program in an effort to support TASA members through networking and mentorship. The new program combines the previous superintendent-in-residence and member service representative programs.

“I am incredibly excited to formally launch our new TASA Executive Superintendents program,” says Brandon Core, associate executive director of professional learning and member engagement. “This reimagined approach to supporting our members across Texas is perfectly aligned to our TASA Strategic Framework and will help us fully realize our organizational aspirations by our centennial celebration in 2025.”

Through the newly designed program, TASA members have access to executive superintendents — a group of 10 experienced former superintendents, each dedicated to serving administrators in two ESC regions and across the state.

These executive superintendents serve as an extension of TASA staff and will be on hand to support TASA members in a variety of ways, with an emphasis on helping new superintendents navigate the role. As seasoned administrators, these superintendents are able to listen and provide support based on their own experiences in their prospective regions or on their specific areas of focus. TASA members can reach out to these executive superintendents confidentially on any matters related to public school leadership, including career pathways and any specific achievements or challenges they might face. Through this program, superintendents have one-on-one access to these experienced mentors for their insight.

“These 10 individuals are stalwart superintendents who are widely respected in public education, both statewide and nationally, and are well-equipped to engage and support on all school leadership matters,” Core says. “Our TASA members are truly set up for success with these dynamic champions in their corner.”

In the next few issues of INSIGHT, we will introduce you to these executive superintendents, offering a deeper look into their experiences and areas of expertise. The 10 superintendents serving in the program are:

Art Cavazos, Regions 1 and 20 — This summer, Cavazos retired as superintendent of Harlingen CISD, a post he held for eight years. He has served as an educator for 34 years and was named Region 1 Superintendent of the Year in 2017.

Alton Frailey, Regions 2 and 4 — Frailey served as superintendent of Katy ISD for nine years before his retirement in 2016. He is a past president of TASA and AASA and brings 33 years of education experience to his new role.

Thomas Randle, Region 3 and 6 — Randle recently retired as superintendent of Lamar ISD, where he served for 20 years. He is a TASA past president and a prior Texas Superintendent of the Year finalist. In 2017, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators named a statewide award in his honor.

Mary Ann Whiteker, Regions 5 and 7 — Whiteker recently retired from the superintendency of Hudson ISD after 23 years of service. A 44-year veteran educator, Whiteker was named Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2016.

Karen Rue, Regions 10 and 11 — Rue held the superintendency in Northwest ISD for 11 years before her retirement. She is a TASA past president and in 2016 was a finalist for AASA’s Women in School Leadership Award.

Kelli Moulton, Regions 12 and 15 — Moulton recently retired from Galveston ISD after nearly five years as superintendent. See the Spring 2021 issue of INSIGHT for an in-depth profile on Moulton.

Stephanie Arterbury, Regions 13 and 14 — Arterbury served as the first female superintendent of Sheldon ISD, a position she held for 10 years. See the Fall 2019 issue of INSIGHT for an in-depth profile on Arterbury.

Larry Coffman, Regions 16 and 17 — Coffman was Borger ISD superintendent for 17 years before his retirement. See the Winter 2019-20 issue of INSIGHT for an in-depth profile on Coffman.

Amy Jacobs, Regions 8 and 9 — Jacobs served as superintendent of Coahoma ISD for seven years and currently serves as CEO of Hill Country Educational Leadership, a nonprofit organization working to reimagine the educational experience for students and teachers.

Sherri Bays, Regions 18 and 19 — Bays recently retired as superintendent of Floresville ISD, a position she held for eight years. She has also served as a TASA study group chair and member of the FutureReady Superintendents Leadership Network.