April 11, 2007

News Release

Board Announces Lone Finalist for Superintendent

The Board of Trustees of the Tyler Independent School District (Tyler ISD) has unanimously named Dr. Randy Reid, 47, current superintendent of Celina (Texas) Independent School District (ISD) as the lone finalist for the district’s lead position. The announcement was made at the Board’s April 11 special meeting and followed a four-month nationwide search conducted by Mr. J. David Thompson of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP Consulting Firm, and Dr. Mike Moses.

“Dr. Reid has a tremendous amount of experience in Richardson ISD, which is similar to Tyler, where he has implemented those changes and it has had a drastic effect on student achievement.  We were also impressed with his leadership in his current superintendency,” said Andy Bergfeld, president of the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees.  “This is the man for the job and he brings exceptional leadership skills to our District,” he added.       

The search process included the development of a leadership profile through focus groups of community, parents, media and staff.  Forty applications were reviewed, which lead to a series of interviews and selection of the sole finalist.  

“I am honored to be named the finalist for the position of superintendent with Tyler ISD.  Tyler ISD is regarded as the premier district in East Texas, with a legacy of high performing students, staff and outstanding leadership at the administrative and board level,” Dr. Reid said. 

 “The mix of small town charm, broad diversity, and a vibrant community and economy make Tyler an attractive place for my family.  I believe the experiences I have gained to this point in my career have uniquely prepared me for this challenge,” he said.

Dr. Reid’s collaborative leadership style, his district’s academic achievements, success with similar demographics, commitment to the success of each student and ability to serve students and staff in a highly diverse area were prime considerations for the offer.  In addition, the Board cited Dr. Reid’s knowledge of the Texas school finance system, his expertise in instruction and the progress his districts have made with student achievement for all populations during his career.

For example, while superintendent for Celina ISD, Dr. Reid served as his own Chief Financial Officer, Curriculum Director and Bond Program Manager.  Academically, the district made noticeable improvement in TAKS scores that have resulted in an increase in ratings for two of four schools, where the elementary school continues to be rated Exemplary, while other campuses are recognized.

Dr. Reid spent more than 20 years of his education career at Richardson ISD as a teacher and coach, followed by assistant principal and principal.  He was assistant superintendent in Richardson ISD as well.  In the spring of 2000, Dr. Reid was named to the position of Area Superintendent.  In this role, he was responsible for the operation of one-half of the school district.  This included 31 schools, PK-12, and more than 20,000 students.  Dr. Reid was also responsible for the curriculum and instruction for all secondary schools in the District.  The TAKS results continued to indicate that Richardson ISD was among the leaders for children of diverse backgrounds.

Tyler ISD must now wait three weeks before officially naming Dr. Reid the Superintendent of Schools because of state guidelines.  Texas law requires the Board to give public notice of the name or names of the finalists being considered at least 21 days prior to the date of the meeting at which a final action or vote is taken on the employment of the candidate.  The date for that meeting will be announced by the District when it is set.

Bergfeld said the waiting period will be used to introduce Dr. Reid to the Tyler ISD staff and community, to finalize the potential superintendent’s contract, and for designing a plan to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within the district.

Dr. Reid received a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University in 1981 and a Master of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1991.  He earned his Doctor of Education in Education Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2006.

Dr. Reid and his wife Vickie have three sons, 21-year-old Brent works in Frisco, 19-year-old Scott is a freshman at Baylor University in Waco, and 15-year-old Todd is a high school freshman who will attend school in Tyler ISD. 

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