Dallas ISD announces Austin ISD superintendent as lone finalist to replace Michael Hinojosa

Dallas ISD has named the sole finalist to replace Superintendent Michael Hinojosa.

Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde was named by the DISD board of trustees on May 18 after a brief closed meeting. The district has worked with Austin-based search firm Walsh Gallegos since February to identify potential candidates.

Elizalde was previously employed by DISD, joining in 2011 as director of mathematics in the division of teaching and learning, according to the AISD website. She was named DISD's chief schools officer in 2015.

Elizalde has about 30 years of education leadership experience, including previous roles in San Antonio ISD and Southwest ISD.

On Aug. 11, 2020, the AISD board of trustees approved Elizalde’s hiring after a nearly six-month process to find the district’s next leader.

The state requires a 21-day review period for the position, according to DISD. Trustees are then expected to offer Elizalde a contract for employment. Elizalde would be the second female superintendent in DISD's history, the district said in a statement.

Hinojosa announced on Jan. 13 that he will end his 13-year tenure as DISD superintendent in December, a district news release stated.

He will remain on staff until December to help onboard Elizalde, according to DISD.