Katy ISD parents and community members can expect to see a new face sitting with the board of trustees starting July 16. The district in early July confirmed with Community Impact Newspaper that KISD Deputy Superintendent Kenneth Gregorski will preside over future board meetings while Superintendent Lance Hindt continues focusing on other initiatives for the district.

The district did not provide a timeframe for how long Gregorski will fill in for Hindt.

"As of now, the Deputy Superintendent will preside over Board meetings until further notice from the board," KISD spokesperson Maria DiPetta wrote in an email. "The Katy ISD Deputy Superintendent will only be presiding over work study and regular board meetings. This includes working directly with the superintendent on board agenda preparation."

Board President Courtney Doyle informed parents of the structural changes in a letter to KISD parents June 26. In her letter, Doyle said Hindt will focus on other initiatives that include laying the groundwork for a smooth transition as the district prepares to secure its next superintendent.

"The board is committed to securing a high quality leader who understands the needs of Katy ISD students and its growing community," DiPetta said.

According to the Texas Education Code and KISD Board Policy, it is not a requirement for the superintendent to preside over board meetings, DiPetta said. The superintendent does not vote on agenda items.

"The superintendent is the chief executive officer and is responsible for the administrative organization of the district which includes delegating duties to one of his administrators, if needed," DiPetta said. "In the past, other Katy ISD superintendents have adopted this practice as a way to lay the groundwork for the smooth transition of a new superintendent."

Aside from preparing for the next superintendent, DiPetta said Hindt will focus on other major initiatives the district is working on, which include: attendance boundary modifications for the 2019-20 school year, second year rollout of the KISD strategic design plan, as well as safety measures for schools and bullying awareness and prevention programs.

The KISD board of trustees will meet for a work study meeting 6:30 p.m. July 16 at the Education Support Complex in downtown Katy.