Austin ISD soliciting superintendent applications beginning May 19

Austin ISD is scheduled to officially post a job advertisement for its superintendent position online May 19 and will begin accepting applications from educational leaders interested in serving the district once the position becomes vacant this fall.

James Guerra, who is leading the district’s hired search firm, JG Consulting, told AISD trustees May 18 that the firm is working to create a “leadership profile” which will be used to help evaluate candidates based on district and community feedback. Feedback sessions, which began in early May, will continue through June.

While the profile is being developed, Guerra said, the firm will begin recruiting efforts to find candidates.

The board is scheduled to discuss the superintendent position at a board information session June 8, and a leadership profile will be available for review June 22, according to Guerra.

According to the district, current Superintendent Paul Cruz's last day serving in the position will be Aug. 31, the same day the district has set as a goal to hire a replacement.

While the district is not planning to bring on an interim superintendent, Board President Geronimo Rodriguez said May 18 that staff are working to formalize contingency plans just in case circumstances change over the summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.