By Edmond Ortiz
Sean Maika, who has led the North East Independent School District as superintendent since 2019, said on Nov. 17 that he plans to retire in January 2026.
What you should know
School district officials said the board will determine how or when Maika’s replacement will be found.
Maika started his career in education in 1995, and has served as a teacher, principal and an executive director before becoming a superintendent.
During his time as NEISD’s superintendent, Maika has overseen the establishment of a cybersecurity magnet school program. Additionally, NEISD became the second district in the country to partner with NASA by opening the Space and Engineering Technologies Academy.
NEISD officials said, during Maika’s stewardship, the school district has worked to reduce its property tax rate each year. They also cited voter passage of three of five proposals contained in the district’s $495 million bond in the Nov. 4 election.
What they are saying
Maika issued a statement upon announcing his retirement, expressing gratitude for the trust and support shown by fellow NEISD leaders, employees and community members.
“Even when things are going well, life often provides moments that prompt reflection—opportunities to step back, assess where our time and energy are devoted, and consider what comes next. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this remarkable community,” he said.
