Allen ISD has named an interim superintendent while the search continues for a long-term replacement.
What happened?
Allen ISD’s board of trustees named Kim McLaughlin acting superintendent during a May 14 meeting. McLaughlin will start June 1 in the new role and serve as a transitional leader while district officials continue searching for a long-term superintendent, according to a district news release.
McLaughlin has worked in Allen ISD for 36 years, beginning as a sixth-grade teacher at Story Elementary in 1990. She’s held roles as an instructional designer, assistant principal and principal. She joined the district administrative team in 2014 and worked as an executive director and assistant superintendent in the School Leadership and Support Department.
She’s served as the district’s deputy superintendent since 2023, according to the news release. In a statement, board President Polly Montgomery said board members look forward to working with McLaughlin over the coming months as district officials find a long-term replacement.
“Kim McLaughlin is a respected figure in our school district, and her steady approach to leadership will ensure Allen ISD continues its mission of realizing the potential of every learner,” Montgomery said.
Quote of note
In a statement, McLaughlin said she was grateful to the board for its trust and will support the district as the search continues for a long-term replacement.
“Allen ISD has been my home since 1990, and I care deeply for the students and staff of this amazing community,” McLaughlin said. “As we head into the summer, I look forward to continuing to work with our campus principals to ensure our staff have the resources necessary to improve student outcomes.”
The context
Allen ISD’s board was expected to name a lone finalist for superintendent at a special-called meeting held May 7. During the final vetting process, board members decided the remaining candidates “would not be the right fit for Allen ISD” at this time.
As a result, the remaining candidates were removed from consideration.
Looking back
District officials launched a search for Allen ISD’s next superintendent in January after current Superintendent Robin Bullock announced her retirement.
Board members selected Texas-based law firm Thompson and Horton in February to lead the search for Allen ISD’s next superintendent. Since then, the law firm has worked with the district in finding candidates and conducting interviews, according to Allen ISD’s website.
