Leander ISD's board of trustees named Dan Troxell the district’s lone finalist in its search for a new superintendent.

Troxell is in his 14th year as superintendent of Kerrville ISD, which he said has about 5,100 students. LISD has more than 37,000 students, according to the district’s website.

Troxell, who attended the meeting with his wife, Shelley, said he is excited to take on the new role and called LISD the “premier” district in Central Texas. He said LISD’s reputation for being student-centered and family-oriented was in line with his belief that a school district should put the social and emotional growth of each child above all else.

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before Troxell can sign a contract and begin working for LISD. Troxell said he did not know the date on which he would start with LISD, and negotiations with both districts would likely take more than 21 days.

When he does assume the new position, Troxell said he wants his first week on the job to include a tour of each campus led by its students. In subsequent months, he said he plans to listen and learn about the district and its needs. After that, he said, he could work with the board to develop a plan for continuous improvement.

“Board members, thank you for your trust. I look forward to working with you,” he said.

Troxell earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his master’s from Texas State University in San Marcos. Prior to his position in Kerrville, Troxell served as assistant superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD located outside of Houston. He said he also spent time in Round Rock ISD as a middle and high school assistant principal.

Trustees approved Troxell in a 6-0 vote. Trustee Don Hisle was absent, but LISD board President Will Streit said Hisle was in agreement with the board’s decision.

Streit thanked the community for its input and district staffers for easing the selection process. The board gave special thanks to Kari Lynn McSpadden, who acted as interim superintendent after former Superintendent Bret Champion resigned in April. Champion is now superintendent at Klein ISD.