The Willis ISD board of trustees selected Thompson & Horton to conduct the district's superintendent search during a regular board meeting Nov. 8.

In a nutshell

Thompson & Horton gave a presentation Oct. 18 to share details about the search firm's process, including:
  • Handling all advertising for the district, including national advertising, if necessary
  • Helping get community input and create reports for the board to see feedback
  • Preparing the district to conduct interviews with potential questions
  • Vetting candidates with social media, criminal and background checks
The firm is working with three other school districts in Texas, including:
  • Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
  • Montgomery ISD
  • San Angelo ISD
Mike Moses, a representative of Thompson & Horton, said most districts typically look to start the search process Jan. 1 or June 1. The search usually follows a 120-day to four- to five-month timeline.

According to district officials, the board will call for a special open meeting Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. for a planning session with Thompson & Horton regarding the search timeline and plan.

How we got here


Tim Harkrider, who had served as superintendent since 2013, announced his departure from WISD in June, as he was named the superintendent of College Station ISD.

The Willis ISD board of trustees selected former Superintendent Tom Crowe to serve as interim superintendent in July.

In a previous interview with Crowe, he said while he is enjoying being interim superintendent, district officials want to see a new superintendent chosen by spring or summer time.