Education Service Center Region 13 selected Snell as their regional nominee for the statewide honor on July 1.
About the program
Each year, TASB recognizes an outstanding superintendent from across the state as the superintendent of the year.
Snell was chosen as the Region 13 winner after being nominated by the LHISD board of trustees in April. He will now compete against 19 superintendents through a round of interviews in August, after which TASB will select five state finalists, according to a news release.
The superintendent of the year will be announced at the TASB and Texas Association of School Administrators convention in San Antonio from Sept. 27-29. The award recipient will receive $5,000 and a ring, and the four remaining finalists will receive $1,000 each, according to TASB's website.
Candidates must display the following to be considered for the award:
- Exemplary and visionary leadership toward improving student performance
- Strong leadership skills
- Dedication to improving the quality of education in their districts
- Commitment to public support and involvement in education
Over the last five years, Snell has led the district in navigating rapid enrollment growth from 4,000 to over 9,000 students, according to a news release by ESC Region 13.
The district has passed two bond packages totaling $962 million during his tenure, resulting in the construction of several new campuses. The 2023 bond had the highest approval rate for any large bond last year at 76%, according to ESC Region 13.
Snell has piloted efforts to improve teacher retention and recruitment, organized a school safety summit, and advocated to expand the district’s police department prior to the passage of House Bill 3.
He has developed coursework and taught classes for the Texas Superintendency Certification Institute, presented at educational conferences, and mentored regional superintendents, per ESC Region 13.
Quote of note
“Steven Snell’s exemplary leadership and innovative approach to managing rapid growth have profoundly impacted Liberty Hill ISD,” said Rich Elsasser, executive director for ESC Region 13, in a news release. “His dedication to fostering a positive school culture, engaging the community and advocating for public education is commendable. We proudly recognize him as the 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year.”
