According to a press release from DSISD, Washburn is currently the associate superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Eanes ISD, a capacity he has served in since 2016 after a year as assistant superintendent for Eanes. Prior to his service at Eanes, Washburn served 20 years at Leander ISD in roles ranging from teacher and coach to principal and executive director of secondary education. He began his teaching career at Fabens ISD.
All told, Washburn has 29 years of experience in public education.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to become the next superintendent of Dripping Springs ISD,” Washburn said in the press release. “I look forward to building relationships with the students, staff, parents and community members as we continue to provide a personal and exceptional education for every learner.”
DSISD’s selection of Washburn comes after a months-long search to replace former Superintendent Bruce Gearing, who accepted a position as superintendent of Leander ISD before the start of the school year. Nola Wellman has served as interim superintendent since Gearing’s departure.
The search for Gearing’s replacement was led by the Texas Association of School Boards’ Executive Search Services and involved the review of 77 applications after soliciting input from the Dripping Springs ISD community. Board President Carrie Kroll said at the Oct. 30 meeting that in choosing Washburn the board “rallied around what the community said they were looking for.”
The board interviewed seven semifinalists and four finalists before voting to name Washburn—a Dripping Springs resident—the lone finalist. State law requires a 21-day waiting period before the district can make Washburn an official offer. The district has scheduled Nov. 21 as the projected date of hire.
