"Last night, the Alief ISD board of trustees named me as its lone finalist for superintendent," Mays said in the email. "The chance to lead a district while putting down roots for a long-term partnership was something our family could not pass up."
Mays said the newly elected AISD board of trustees will lead the district into its next steps. The board will be seated in January. Mays will finish the semester with AISD before moving to the Houston area to begin his new job. According to state law, there is a 21-day waiting period after a school board names a lone finalist before the school board may take formal action to hire the finalist as the district's new superintendent.
“The board is incredibly excited to name Dr. Anthony Mays as lone finalist for superintendent of Alief ISD,” Alief ISD board President Ann Williams said in a press release. “We are confident that he is the perfect candidate to serve as the district’s next leader. He is a proven leader and advocate for public education. We look forward to this new chapter and collaboration in creating not only a stronger Alief ISD, but a stronger Alief community as well.”
Mays said he is "humbled and excited" about the opportunity to lead Alief ISD and looks forward to working with board members and the community to build toward the future.
Mays has a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Huston-Tillotson University and a Master of Education from Texas State University. He received his doctorate in education from Tarleton State University. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Downtown and University of Houston-Lone Star College Kingwood. With more than 20 years of experience as an education professional, Mays has served as a classroom teacher, principal and administrator. Prior to joining Austin ISD, he was the senior director of schools for the Harris County Department of Education. He has worked in Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD, beginning his career at Pflugerville ISD as a special education teacher.
"Thank you for the grace you have extended to me as your interim superintendent. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve this community and the students of Austin ISD," Mays said.
AISD Board President Geronimo Rodriguez thanked Mays for serving as interim superintendent this year.
"Congratulations on successfully navigating our $2.44 billion bond effort, passing a balanced budget and focusing on academic achievement as we navigate out of the pandemic. We appreciate your commitment to our mission, teachers, staff and students."
Rodriguez said the Austin ISD Board of Trustees will meet Nov. 15 and invite the trustees-elect to discuss a transition plan.
"We wish Dr. Mays and his family all the best as he begins his new role," Rodriguez said.
