In a special called meeting, the board of trustees voted 5-2 to select Azaiez as the finalist of its selection process. The vote came after almost an hour-and-a-half-long discussion in closed session, with board members Mary Bone and Danielle Weston voting no but not elaborating on why.
Following a 21-day waiting period as mandated by state law, a final hiring decision will be made by the district. Azaiez is the superintendent from Donna ISD in Donna, Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. He received a bachelor's degree in physics and chemistry from La Faculte des Sciences de Tunis in Tunisia, a master's of education from the University of St. Thomas and a doctorate in educational leadership from Sam Houston State University, according to the Donna ISD website.
Daniel Presley has been serving as the acting superintendent of schools since the departure of former Superintendent Steve Flores in December. Presley will continue to remain in his position until a final decision is made.
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect who voted no.
