Leander ISD’s board of trustees named Dan Troxell as the sole finalist in the district’s search for a new superintendent July 27.

Troxell is in his 14th year as superintendent of Kerrville ISD, which he said has about 5,100 students. LISD has more than 37,000 students, according to the district’s website.

Troxell, who attended the July 27 meeting with his wife, Shelley, said he is excited to take on the new role and called LISD the “premier” district in Central Texas. He said LISD’s reputation for being student-centered and family-oriented was in line with his belief that a school district should put the social and emotional growth of each child above all else.

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before Troxell can sign a contract and begin working for LISD.

If he assumes the new position, Troxell said he wants his first week on the job to include a tour of each campus. In subsequent months, he said he plans to learn about the district and its needs. After that, he said, he could work with the board to develop a plan for improvement.

“Board members, thank you for your trust. I look forward to working with you,” he said.

Troxell earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his master’s from Texas State University in San Marcos. Prior to his position in Kerrville ISD, Troxell served as assistant superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, located outside of Houston. He said he also spent time in Round Rock ISD as a middle and high school assistant principal.

Trustees approved Troxell in a 6-0 vote.

The board thanked Kari Lynn McSpadden, who acted as interim superintendent after former Superintendent Bret Champion resigned in April. Champion is now superintendent at Klein ISD.