The board of trustees unanimously approved Schnautz as the finalist for the position at its Feb. 27 meeting. He has served as deputy superintendent for the district since 2017 and was approved as interim superintendent at the Oct. 24, 2022 board meeting.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank the board for trusting me and your confidence in me to be the next leader,” Schnautz said.
Schnautz earned his master's in education administration from Sam Houston State University, according to a press release. He later earned a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University. He has over 20 years of experience in several educational roles, including as a high school principal and campus administrator, in Conroe, Bryan and Magnolia ISDs, the release stated.
Schnautz previously served as superintendent for Lexington ISD. He held this role from 2015 until he joined GCISD.
In the community, he has been involved with the Grapevine Rotary Club, the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce, the Grapevine Chambers of Commerce and he has served as volunteer coach for local sports groups, the release stated.
“GCISD is our home,” he said. “We’ve been amazing servants and [have been] leading in this community, and I look forward to continuing to do that with you.”
Community stakeholder meetings were held by the district-hired search firm Leasor Crass to discuss priorities in the search. Responses stated community members found teacher retention, campus safety, inclusion and staff morale are priorities in the search.
Former Superintendent Robin Ryan announced plans to retire as superintendent in September 2022. His last day as GCISD superintendent was Jan. 1, and he will remain with the district until Aug. 31 to ease the transition of leadership.
Trustees must give public notice of the finalist at least 21 days before the date of the meeting in which final action or vote is taken. The 21-day notice takes effect on Feb. 27.
