Norton was named the lone finalist during a June 17 board meeting, officially initiating the 21-day waiting period required following the selection of a superintendent in Texas.
The former superintendent of Texarkana ISD will fill the role left vacant by outgoing Superintendent Brad Lancaster, who has served the LITSD for more than eight years.
Both community members and district officials have emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership transition amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“I know there are lots of challenges—obviously what’s coming up in the fall,” trustee William Beard said. “Certainly, we feel like you’re the guy that's going to help us get through it all.”
Since the lone finalist announcement, Norton said he has been working alongside Lancaster and has met with LTISD leadership staff.
The district released its preliminary reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year June 6—a proposal Lancaster said Norton was made aware of.
“We are keeping Mr. Norton fully informed of our processes and are getting his feedback and input,” Lancaster said. “We will continue to do that through July 23 on my last day.”
