On Friday, the Richardson Independant School District Board of Trustees named Kay Waggoner, Ph.D its only finalist for the Superintendent position. She is currently superintendent of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. She will replaced David Simmons who resigned in Early August.

According to the RISD's press release, Kim Quirk Board of Trustee Board President said, “We are delighted to announce Dr. Waggoner as RISD’s sole finalist. She is the ideal fit for our district and embodies the leadership profile that stakeholders helped develop. Her experience and skill as a true servant leader will benefit RISD for years to come as we focus on preparing all students for their global future.”

That said, Board Member David Tyson disagreed and wanted the board to track candidates with a good minority record.  Tyson is the sole African American Board Member on the RISD Board of Trustees.

According to Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (GCISD) she became superintendent August 2004. Before that she was superintendent of the Red Oak ISD. She has served 20 of her 27 years in education in Administration. According to the RISD she and he husband Rick will relocate to the RISD.

According to Grapevine Colleyville statistics, ACT scores have risen under her leadership. However, SAT scores have risen in math but declined slightly in writing and critical reading. That said, these rises and declines may not be significant. Of the 18 GCISD campuses, 10 are rated Exemplary by the State of Texas, 5 are rated Recognized, and 3 are Academically Acceptable.

According to the RISD the board interviewed 9 candidates after receiving 30 resumes where 27 were initially considered. Texas law requires the Board of Trustees to wait at least 21 days before naming any finalists to the superintendent position. The Board must then officially vote on any candidates.

(photo courtesy of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD)