The department's former head, Ashley Gonzalez, left the position in May to become the chief of police in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Sneed will be AISD's first Black chief of police.
"When we start trying to represent diversity and equity, having someone that has a different life path and vision based on the life path is important," Sneed said in a July 28 district press release.
He has been with AISD for the last 10 years of a more than 40-year career in law enforcement. His most recent role in the department was heading up the mental health and community engagement unit.
Mays said it is important to have a new chief in place before the school year starts.
"Safety is everyone's top priority for our schools, and that's why it's critical to have a police chief in place before the start of school," Mays said in the same press release.
The new chief singled out two priorities for his department.
"We're working with our community on trust, from parents and students. We're working diligently to ensure that our campuses stay as safe as possible," Sneed said in the release.
