The district’s current superintendent, Sara Bonser, informed PISD’s board of trustees Jan. 25 that she plans to retire at the end of the school year to spend more time with her family. In an emergency meeting Jan. 27, trustees voted to accept her letter of retirement and begin an internal search of the district for her replacement.
Earlier this month, PISD took public feedback through its website on the kinds of attributes stakeholders would like to see in the district’s next superintendent. The board received more than 3,700 responses to that survey, according to a district news release.
“Our community expressed interest in a compassionate leader who is student-focused, of high moral character, and who has high expectations and a proven track record for positive student outcomes,” board President David Stolle said in a statement. “These characteristics reconcile with the board’s expectations, which we have kept top of mind during the selection process. We are pleased with the community response and thank all who participated. Confirming that our priorities and our community’s priorities are in line is an important part of this process.”
The board previously conducted interviews for the position during closed session of a meeting Feb. 21 but took no action when it returned to open session.
School districts are required by state law to wait 21 days after naming a lone finalist for superintendent positions before officially hiring them.
During the Jan. 27 board meeting, Bonser said her older sister was diagnosed with liver cancer last year.
"Over the winter break, we just didn't get the news that we had hoped for," Bonser said. "So with a lot of thought and prayer and conversation, I am going to live the values that I have always asked my staff to do, which is to put your family first. Because while I love being superintendent, and I would only want to be a superintendent here—I have had my dream job in my hometown—this time with [my sister] is my priority."
In addition to Bonser, PISD's district leadership team includes Theresa Williams, the deputy superintendent and chief operating officer, and five assistant superintendents. Those include Katrina Hasley, who is assistant superintendent for academic services; Beth Brockman, who serves as assistant superintendent for employee services; Selenda Anderson, who is assistant superintendent for student engagement and district services; Courtney Gober, who serves as assistant superintendent for student, family and community services; and Patrick Tanner, who is assistant superintendent for technology services.
The special called board meeting is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 in the board room of the PISD Administration Building at 2700 W. 15th St., Plano.
