Leander ISD names Rouse principal as area superintendent replacement

Rouse High School principal Christine Simpson was named the replacement area superintendent June 18, according to a Leander ISD release. The board of trustees approved the hire June 17.

Simpson replaces Devin Padavil who became the Taylor ISD superintendent earlier this year. LISD previously picked Heather Sánchez to replace Padavil, but Sánchez withdrew from consideration in early June due to "the best interests of her family," according to the district.

Simpson will remain as Rouse's principal during the new principal transition, according to the district, and will start as an area superintendent this summer.

“As an LISD principal for the last nine years, I have seen the great work of my colleagues firsthand,” Simpson said in a release. “I am in awe of their unwavering dedication to putting students first. It will be an honor to serve and support them.”

There are three LISD area superintendents who support, guide and coach campus principals. The schools that each superintendent oversees will be determined as a team next month, Mitchell said.

Simpson began teaching in Marble Falls ISD in 1997 and later transferred to LISD. She previously worked as an English and reading teacher, Leander High School's assistant principal, Leander Middle School's principal and became Rouse High School's principal in 2016, according to LISD. Simpson has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas-San Antonio and a master's degree from Texas State University.