The board named Hicks the finalist at a special meeting March 29. Hicks has led SISD as superintendent for six years, according to a press release from the district.
Before he became SISD’s superintendent, Hicks was area superintendent of secondary programs in Denton ISD, where he supervised middle and high school academics, athletics and fine arts, the release states. Overall, Hicks has had 33 years of experience in education, starting as a teacher.
At the meeting, Hicks said he is looking forward to joining the NISD team.
“I'm very, very humbled and honored to get to join the team,” Hicks said. “I know this district—I've worked nearby for a long time. I know the people that are here are incredible educators with a deep passion for our children.”
In a March 29 announcement posted on Youtube, Hicks explained that his reason for leaving SISD to serve as NISD superintendent was because “it’s a wonderful opportunity” for his family.
“My decision to move was not made lightly,” Hicks said in the video. “I love this community and the visionary leadership of our board of trustees, and our team is absolutely amazing. But this move will allow me to serve in the school district where my son and his family live, and where my new granddaughter will one day attend school.”
The search for a new superintendent began in November after current NISD Superintendent Ryder Warren announced in September he would be retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Warren’s last contract day is June 30.
Multiple stakeholder meetings for the board to gather feedback on the search process took place throughout December and January, according to NISD’s superintendent search timeline. Stakeholders included campus principals, district leadership, community members, city officials, district committees, the faculty advisory council, the Northwest ISD Retired Teachers Association and others.
The board’s decision was based on survey data from the NISD community in addition to feedback from the stakeholder meetings, according to the release.
Now that Hicks has been named the finalist, a state-mandated 21-day waiting period must take place before he can be officially hired, the timeline states.
The board will vote to officially hire Hicks on April 19, and the new superintendent is set to begin his role May 2, according to the timeline. However, both dates are tentative and may be subject to change.
“Dr. Hicks is a leader who puts kids first, which is our top priority,” NISD board of trustees President Anne Davis-Simpson said in the release. “He truly values the work teachers and support staff perform. We were equally impressed with his ability to relate to families and communicate effectively.”
