Current situation
Maika’s resignation will be effective March 31, with Jan. 12 as his last day of work. Maika said his decision to resign was to spend more time with his family, and that NEISD staff is more than capable of continuing the district's trend of improvement and ensuring students receive a quality education.
“This wasn't a decision that was taken lightly, but we have always put my career first, [and] it's time for me to put my family first," Maika said. "I know that no matter what, the good people that are here that help me run this system every day, they're going to stay here, and they're committed as ever ... I have no doubt the great people here are going to keep making it happen.”
Maika has worked as an educator since 1995, with 24 of those years in leadership positions. According to a news release, the NEISD board of trustees appointed Maika as superintendent Sept. 25, 2019. Prior to his appointment, he served as the assistant superintendent of instruction and campus administration, as well as the executive director for school administration and as principal of Harris Middle School. He was also named interim superintendent May 6, 2019.
During his tenure, NEISD established iCSI, a state-of-the-art cybersecurity school, and became the second school district in the U.S. to partner with NASA. He also led the district through the 2025 bond, which received 97% of the requested funding, according to Maika’s Nov. 17 farewell letter.
The discussion
Terri Chidgey, board vice president and District 6 trustee, praised Maika’s tenure and thanked him for navigating an especially difficult year as they worked through campus consolidations.
“Our district is bigger than some small towns, and you have navigated some very difficult waters, [such as COVID-19, and] we have successfully closed three schools—that was very difficult,” Chidgey said. “[You] navigated that so well, and it was hard, and it was a lot of criticism, and you held us and your team to a high standard, making sure we took care of all the kids and all the teachers, and I appreciate that. And then [you helped pass] a bond.”
District 3 trustee Diane Villarreal said Maika’s replacement will have big shoes to fill.
“I personally think [Maika’s] one of the greats, and it's heartbreaking that he's made this decision, and I know that he and his wife are going to go on and do great things. But he will be missed,” Villarreal said.
Looking ahead
After approving Maika's resignation, the board of trustees voted unanimously to approve NEISD Chief Instructional Officer Anthony Jarrett as the interim superintendent, effective Jan. 13.
“Mr. Jarrett and I have worked closely over the past six years. I have no doubt our district is being left in good hands with him at the helm,” Maika said in a news release.
According to NEISD's website, Jarrett has over 25 years of experience in public education, with six years at NEISD.
“I’m thrilled to build on the great work we’ve been doing and to explore new learning opportunities for all our students,” Jarrett said in the news release. “I’m eager to collaborate with our amazing staff and families to ensure we provide the best education possible.”
