“Serving as superintendent of schools for six years alongside each and every one of you, in one of the best urban school districts in the nation, has been the most exciting, inspiring and rewarding experience for me,” Cruz wrote in the letter.
Cruz was hired as the district’s superintendent back in January 2015, following a nine-month search to fill the position. At the time, Cruz—who had been serving in an interim capacity since April 2014— beat out 98 other applicants and was named the board's sole finalist following a unanimous vote Dec. 15, 2014.
Cruz previously served other roles in the district, including as the district’s chief schools officer.
“As a parent and a team member in Austin ISD, I have many fond memories of my experience during my 14 years of service,” he wrote in his letter. “I will look back on the insightful conversations I’ve had with students as I visited our exceptional schools, and the shared accomplishments with all of you throughout the district and with current and former board members. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me as superintendent and by the opportunity to serve our students, staff and families.”
The next meeting of the AISD board of trustees is scheduled for Feb. 24.
