Georgetown ISD names lone finalist for superintendent position

The Georgetown ISD board of trustees named Devin Padavil as the lone finalist for the district’s open superintendent position July 17.

“I am excited to join Georgetown ISD because of the sense of community and tradition that makes Georgetown a destination district,” Padavil said in a news release. “Georgetown’s culture of collaboration and student success is a result of the strong leadership team Dr. [Fred] Brent has left as a legacy. I am honored to support and serve the staff of Georgetown ISD as we create exceptional learning experiences for students.”

Padavil currently serves as the superintendent for Taylor ISD, taking over the position in January 2021. He also worked as an assistant superintendent and area superintendent in Fort Bend ISD and Leander ISD, respectively. Prior to that, he held positions as an English and social studies teacher in schools throughout Texas.

Board president Elizabeth McFarland said she was “absolutely thrilled” to introduce Padavil as the lone finalist.

“He’s no stranger to the Central Texas area, having served in leadership roles in Pflugerville, Austin and Round Rock, ” she said.

The board hired Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to help lead the search for GISD’s new leader. Trustees along with representatives of the firm conducted interviews with potential candidates throughout June and July, after an online survey was conducted wherein the district heard from more than 1,000 community members.

The board of trustees is expected to vote on making a formal offer to Padavil during a regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 7, following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.

Lindsay Harris served as GISD interim superintendent after Brent announced his retirement in April. Brent served as superintendent for nine years after moving to Georgetown in 2014.