Jarrell ISD Superintendent Bill Chapman announced his resignation, according to a July 15 news release.
Neither Chapman, who began serving in July 2012, nor the district gave a reason for his departure, only stating that Chapman and the school board “have entered into the agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the district.”
In June 2019, Chapman’s contract was extended through June 30, 2022, in which he would receive an annual salary of $166,710, according to the contract.
During Chapman’s tenure, JISD passed a $54 million bond in May 2017 with a 73% approval rating, designed and constructed a new elementary and middle school, and expanded the high school, among other construction projects. The district also doubled its career and technical education program enrollment and developed a districtwide strategic plan for the next five to 10 years, the release said.
JISD will begin its search for a new superintendent soon, it said, but in the meantime it named Keith Boles, a retired superintendent of other districts, as interim superintendent weeks before the 2020-21 school year begins.
While Boles has experience as a superintendent previously leading Henderson ISD and Commerce ISD, both outside of Dallas; and Connally ISD, outside of Waco, he is not currently employed by JISD.
“The Board is pleased to have such an experienced retired superintendent lead the district through this interim period,” Board President Crystal Phalen said in a news release. “Mr. Boles has devoted his career to public education and is passionate about serving students and supporting teachers. As we plan for the coming school year and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board is confident that he will ensure all children in JISD continue to have access to an exceptional education.”
