#2 Superintendent resigns position
DSISD Superintendent Todd Washburn is leaving the school district. The Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees and Washburn, at the October 26 school board meeting, agreed that he will resign at the end of the fall 2020 semester. In the near term, he will take personal leave to attend to family health matters. Washburn joined DSISD in November 2019.
In a statement regarding his resignation, he cites a reevaluation of his professional and personal priorities as the reason for his departure.
“The superintendent's role is exceptionally demanding and requires a leader's full devotion of days, energy and talent to the board, students, staff and community. Over the past 11 months, I have given my heart and soul to honor this responsibility,” Washburn said. “Like many of you, family health circumstances during the pandemic have caused me to pause and re-evaluate my professional and personal priorities. Occasionally in life – especially during such complex conditions – it becomes apparent when the profession and the person may expect something different of each other. This is one of those moments.”
“After reflecting on and discussing professional and personal contrasts with my family, I have conceded it is in the best interest of students, teachers, staff and community for me to permanently step away from the superintendent's role,” Washburn continued. “Understandably, this is a challenging phase for everyone, even without a change in leadership. I want this transition to take place as smoothly as possible. I believe that making this transition promptly is the right thing for the school district and my family.”
Board President Carrie Kroll and the DSISD Board of Trustees stated: “After considering Mr. Washburn’s proposal to transition out of his role as Superintendent, we have determined that accepting his resignation and hiring an interim superintendent as expeditiously as possible is the best path forward for the District. We thank Mr. Washburn for his contributions to public education over his career and during his time at DSISD. Further, we appreciate his efforts since March to ensure that learning hasn’t been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS:
The DSISD Board of Trustees will develop the process and timeline to search for a new, permanent superintendent, including interviewing firms that specialize in superintendent searches and recruitment. Opportunities for stakeholder input will be planned as part of the search process.
The board also unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Brett Springston as the interim superintendent for Dripping Springs ISD until a permanent superintendent is hired.
Mr. Springston brings to the role 36 years of experience in education, including 11 years as a districtlevel leader and 15 years as a campus administrator. He served two stints as the Superintendent of Bartlett ISD (2011-13 and 2014-16) and was the Superintendent of Brownsville ISD from 2009-11. Most recently, he has stepped in as an interim superintendent for both Decatur ISD and Damon ISD.
"As a passionate advocate for children, Brett Springston is familiar with interim superintendent positions and understands the importance of supporting school districts during times of transition,” said DSISD Board President Carrie Kroll. “A skilled leader, Mr. Springston spent 11 years in superintendent-level roles in Brownsville ISD where he oversaw 7,300 employees and a budget of $496 million and opened five new campuses. He is well aware of the challenges facing public education during the COVID pandemic and has the skill set necessary to guide DSISD during this unprecedented time. We are pleased to welcome him to the Tiger family."
Mr. Springston earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, his master’s degree from Sul Ross State University, and his superintendent’s certification from Prairie View A&M University.
Mr. Springston will begin in the district later this week and remain in this role through the end of the school year.