The Spring ISD board of trustees named Rodney Watson the lone finalist to be the district's next superintendent.

"I'm extremely humbled and excited," Watson said. "This is a great district with a rich history. I look forward to building upon that history and [doing my part to] continue to move student achievement forward. I'm really exited about working with parents and the community members about what they feel they need for the district."

Watson serves as the chief human resources officer for Houston ISD. He has been an administrator with HISD since 2010, serving as a school improvement officer and chief school officer over 53 elementary schools.

"Dr. Watson, I want to say that I think you are well-qualified and uniquely suited to be the next leader of our district," Spring ISD President Rhonda Faust said at the meeting.

The Spring ISD board of trustees announced Watson as the lone finalist at a special board meeting June 2. Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period following the naming of a lone finalist to allow time for contractual negotiations.

David Thompson, co-founder of School Executive Consulting, said the board initially started with about 35 applicants before narrowing the list to seven applicants for the initial round of interviews. The board, which worked with Thompson's consulting firm during the search process, narrowed the group to two finalists before the last round of interviews.

The board can officially hire Watson June 23, Thompson said.

"This process is arduous," Spring ISD Vice President Mel Smith said. "One of the things I look for is an intellect that is capable of managing an organization of this size. We clearly found that. I also was looking for someone who had a love of children, and we found that."

Spring ISD

16717 Ella Blvd., Houston

281-891-6000

www.springisd.org

June 24

Board meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.