According to a message sent to PISD parents Jan. 26, Bonser said she will retire in order to spend more time with family as her sister is dealing with a critical illness.
“I am thankful for every member of this community, every family and child I have met along the way, and wish only the best for Plano ISD in the future," Bonser said in the message. "I will always be proud to say that I live in Plano, taught in Plano ISD and led Plano ISD.”
Bonser has served as the district's superintendent since March 2018, after serving as interim deputy superintendent for the year prior. Her public education career has spanned 33 years, with 25 of those years in PISD as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Bonser referred to her position as superintendent as “my dream job in my hometown.”
“The board will accept Superintendent Bonser’s resignation with great reluctance, but we certainly understand Sara’s need to support her family at this time,” board President David Stolle said in the message. “Plano ISD has greatly benefited from Sara’s results-driven leadership and passion for student success. She will be missed tremendously by this board, the staff and the community.”
In addition to Bonser, PISD's leadership team includes Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer Theresa Williams as well as five assistant superintendents.
“I am proud to have served alongside the most hardworking, brilliant and committed staff in the region, state and nation,” Bonser said. “Their dedication to providing an outstanding education to the children within Plano ISD, preparing them for college and careers, is unparalleled.”
She said she plans to work with the board and PISD administration to ensure a smooth transition for the district.
PISD board will hold an emergency meeting at 8 a.m. Jan. 27 to accept Bonser's letter of retirement and consider action regarding the search process for a new superintendent.
The announcement of Bonser's retirement comes after the Richardson ISD board of trustees accepted Superintendent Jeannie Stone's resignation in December and Lewisville ISD Superintendent Kevin Rogers announced plans in November to retire at the end of January. The Lewisville ISD board of trustees named Deputy Superintendent Lori Rapp as the sole finalist for the district’s superintendent position during a special Jan. 25 meeting. Richardson ISD named its former Deputy Superintendent Tabitha Branum to its interim superintendent position last month and has not yet begun accepting applicants for the permanent position.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include details of the emergency meeting of the Plano ISD board of trustees on Jan. 27.
