Washburn named lone finalist for DSISD superintendent

Todd Washburn was named the lone finalist to become the new Dripping Springs ISD superintendent by the DSISD Board of Trustees at its Oct. 30^th meeting.

“I would like to commend Dripping Springs ISD trustees for their hard work and dedication to this process, and the time away from their families that was required to successfully complete this superintendent search,” DSISD Board President Carrie Kroll said.

The search for a new superintendent began in late July with the surprise announcement that then current Superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing was leaving DSISD to become the new superintendent at Leander ISD. In a special meeting Aug. 19, the DSISD Board appointed Dr. Nola Wellman as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement could be found.

By law, the Board must now wait 21 days before hiring Washburn. The Board is scheduled to vote to hire Washburn on Nov. 21.

Washburn is a resident of Dripping Springs, and currently the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Eanes ISD. He has served in public education 29 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, executive director of secondary curriculum, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to become the next superintendent of Dripping Springs ISD,” Washburn said. “I look forward to building relationships with the students, staff, parents and community members as we continue to provide a personal and exceptional education for every learner. These are exciting times for the district and the city of Dripping Springs, as we continue to partner, grow and shape the future of our students and our community.”

At a special meeting held Aug. 15, the DSISD Board of Trustees developed the process and timeline for the search and hiring process of a new superintendent and hired Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services to direct the search. TASB consultants met with staff and community groups to discuss leadership qualities of the new superintendent. An online survey also was used to gather input from all stakeholders.

After receiving and reviewing 77 applications for the superintendent position, the Board selected seven applicants for initial interviews before four applicants were invited back for second interviews. With the second round of interviews completed, the Board conducted reference and background checks and did a reference visit with Washburn’s colleagues in Eanes ISD. 

Todd Washburn has served as the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Eanes ISD since 2016 after one year as Assistant Superintendent. In EISD, Washburn has led district initiatives such as implementing a District of Innovation plan and a district-level teacher appraisal system, and facilitating a district inclusive culture committee. He assisted in the launch of innovative programs such as the Westlake High School Business Incubator and the WHS culinary program, the Epicure Academy. Washburn’s guidance was critical in the passing of Eanes ISD’s tax ratification election in 2017 and an $80 million bond in 2019.

From 1995-2015, Washburn was at Leander ISD, moving up the ranks to the position of Executive Director of Secondary Education. During his leadership in Leander ISD, the district opened multiple new schools and navigated the district through a population growth from 10,000 to 36,000 students. After joining the district as a middle school teacher and coach, Washburn became an assistant principal, then opened Running Brushy Middle School as the school’s first principal in 2000. He moved into the principal position at Leander High School in 2003 and led that campus for four years before assuming duties at the district level in 2007.  

Washburn, who started his career as a teacher and coach in Fabens ISD, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University. He went on to earn his master’s degree in educational administration and his superintendent’s certification from Southwest Texas State University. Washburn grew up in northeast Ohio and graduated from Rootstown High School. He and his wife, Beth – also an educator – moved to El Paso, Texas, in 1990 and then to Leander in 1995. In June 2016, they relocated to the Dripping Springs community. They have two sons: TJ, who attends Texas A&M University, and Zachary, who attends Texas State University.