Pflugerville ISD officially has a new leader.

The district's board of trustees approved the contract of new Superintendent Alex Torrez early Sept. 30 at a specially called meeting. Torrez was named the lone finalist for the position Aug. 22. However, the district was required by state law to wait at least 21 days before finalizing the contract.

Torrez, who formerly served as assistant superintendent of secondary education at Clear Creek ISD, located south of Houston, replaces former PISD Superintendent Charles Dupre. Dupre left PISD in April to take over as superintendent of Fort Bend ISD in suburban Houston.

Torrez said among his goals with PISD will be adapting to the evolving needs of the district's student base.

"To be an educator in today's society, you must not only be an instructor of content, but it is essential to be a leader, a mentor, a counselor and a champion for relevant, meaningful learning," Torrez said. "As our state continues to become more diverse and student equity concerns grow for educators, I believe that we are responsible for seeking new and innovative ways to change the schoolhouse DNA."

Torrez inherits a fast-growth district that is in the process of finalizing a spring 2014 bond proposal in anticipation of the need for infrastructure improvements and new schools. PISD continues to operate as one of the lowest-funded districts per student in Central Texas.

PISD board President Elva Gladney said Torrez has demonstrated the leadership to collaborate the efforts and goals of district residents, staff and students.

"[Torrez] has shown the ability to bring together people with diverse backgrounds and differing perspectives and build consensus, even with difficult topics," she said.

Torrez received a contract that runs through June 30, 2016. His annual base salary will be $195,000, with additional allowances for automobile, relocation and professional expenses. Dupre's last contract paid $190,584 annually.

Torrez began his administrative role with Clear Creek ISD in 2005. Prior to that, he served as a high school principal in the Marble Falls and Lubbock school districts. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Lubbock Christian University, a master's degree in education mid-management from Sul Ross State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Prarie View A&M University.

Torrez has been married 23 years to his wife, Wresha, and has three children.