By Edmond Ortiz
North East Independent School District’s current interim superintendent is poised to become the district’s next permanent leader.
What is happening
School board members unanimously voted in a special May 18 meeting to name interim Superintendent Anthony Jarrett the lone finalist for superintendent.
According to state rules, NEISD’s elected leaders must wait at least 21 days before officially voting to appoint Jarrett as the next permanent superintendent, a press release stated.
At that point, Jarrett will succeed Sean Maika, who announced last November that he would retire this January and cap an education career that spanned more than 30 years.
Jarrett possesses 25-plus years of experience in public education, including six years with NEISD, according to the release. He previously served as the district’s chief instructional officer prior to being named interim superintendent in December.
Before joining NEISD in 2019, Jarrett served as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in Northside Independent School District.
What they are saying
NEISD board President David Beyer praised the leadership demonstrated by Jarrett throughout his education career.
“He has maintained a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence and community partnerships,”Beyer said in a statement.
“We are confident that his leadership, experience, and vision will help guide our district forward, toward continued growth and opportunity for all staff, students and families.”
Jarrett thanked trustees for their expression of faith and eagerness in his fully taking over the reins of leadership at NEISD. The district is entering a new school year budgeting process, and officials are mulling possible tough decisions to reduce a budget deficit. Jarrett is also now working with two newly elected school board members, Caprice Garcia and Mike Wulczyn.
“Sitting in this role is a humbling experience,” Jarrett. “The mindset of service first and self second is something that I fundamentally believe in. I think working alongside you guys, I know our District will continue to grow, get better and be one of the best districts in the country.”
