Allen ISD pauses superintendent search as leaders prep for next school year

The board will “conduct due diligence” to find a “highly qualified” superintendent who is the right fit for the AISD community, according to the statement

“This could happen as soon as the Fall 2026 semester or it may occur in the Spring 2027 semester,” the statement reads. “The focus is on finding the right candidate instead of working under a specific timeline.”

The timeline

Former AISD Superintendent Robin Bullock announced her retirement in January after working in the district for 13 years. District officials began soliciting proposals from search firms later in the same month.

AISD board members selected Texas-based law firm Thompson and Horton in February to lead a search for the district’s next superintendent. The firm worked with the district in finding candidates and conducting interviews.

The 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,” board President Polly Montgomery said.

As a result, the remaining candidates were removed from consideration. Board members named McLaughlin as acting superintendent later in May. McLaughlin started in the new role June 1 and will serve as a transitional leader while district officials continue searching for a long-term superintendent, according to a district news release.