Pearland ISD Superintendent John Kelly to retire after 2021-22 school year

Pearland ISD in a Jan. 19 news release announced that Superintendent John Kelly intends to retire in the summer.

Kelly has been the superintendent of the district for over 10 years and has been a superintendent in the state for over 30 years, previously working at Boerne ISD and Pearsall ISD, according to the news release. He is also the chair of the State Board for Educator Certification required by the Texas Education Agency.

“During my 30-plus year educational career, my highest honor has been to serve the outstanding Pearland ISD community, including the dedicated staff, amazing students and their families,” Kelly said in the release.

The district’s board of trustees will begin its search for a new superintendent, according to the release. The board is working to establish a timeline, but no plans have been made, Executive Director of Communications Kim Hocott said in an email.

Highlights of the district’s achievements under Kelly include the creation of a dual-language bilingual education program, the opening of Turner College and Career High School, and helping create the PISD Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing extra funding to programs in the district, according to PISD.

“Dr. Kelly has been a tremendous asset and leader in Pearland ISD,” PISD board of trustees President Sean Murphy said in the release. “He will leave incredibly big shoes to fill in many respects, and the board and I wish him only the best.”