The Plano ISD board of trustees named Sara Bonser as the lone district superintendent finalist nearly a month after beginning its selection process. Bonser has been serving as interim superintendent since the resignation of former superintendent Brian Binggeli. “We are making history today as Sara Bonser becomes the first woman to ever serve in this capacity in the history of Plano ISD,” board President Missy Bender said. Bonser previously served at PISD for 19 years, including a seven-year stint as principal of Williams High School. Before returning to PISD, Bonser recently served in various administrative roles at Rockwall ISD, according to the press release. 

“As superintendent, you will have my deepest commitment to devote my leadership and passion for learning to academic excellence—maintaining Plano ISD’s legacy of high academic achievement while always keeping mindful of the individual need of each and every learner we serve,” Bonser said.
The board of trustees will vote to appoint Bonser as superintendent after a state-required 21-day waiting period. “We must be bold and fearless and I will be steadfast in my quest to develop relationships with our community, with our state, with our businesses and corporations, with our state and local legislators and elected officials in order that we can deliver that promise to our children,” Bonser said. Bonser served as interim deputy superintendent under the leadership of Binggeli before transitioning to the role as interim superintendent after Binggeli's resignation in November. The district cited “differing leadership philosophies” as a reason Binggeli stepped down. “My plan is to pursue opportunities potentially closer to family and I look forward to the future personal benefits that this decision will provide,” Binggeli said in his resignation letter to board president Missy Bender. Binggeli’s resignation went into effect Jan. 31, according to the press release. Editor's note: This story misquoted Bonser as using the word "develop" in one of her quotes instead of "devote." This story has been corrected to update the quote.