As current Superintendent Dr. Pat Forgione heads into his final year, AISD has begun its search for a new superintendent. The Board of Trustees has hired an executive search firm from Wisconsin to assist in the process of recruiting and hiring a superintendent for AISD.

The district conducted twelve community forums in September to gather community input, but unfortunately, turnout was much lower than expected with only a handful of participants at most of the meetings. The district also conducted interviews and focus groups with a number of key stakeholders, including business and foundation leaders, students, and educators. Austin Voices youth participated in the student focus group at Carver Public Library on September 25 and several Austin Voices members attended the public forum held afterward. Along with the public forums the community also had the opportunity to provide input by calling into AISD’s telephone hotline or complete an online survey.

In early 2009, finalists will be selected and introduced to the Austin community. The Board’s goal is to have a new superintendent hired by spring 2009.

Austin Voices along with other community partners is collaborating with AISD to facilitate a series of community conversations in the spring of 2009 concerning the transition to a new superintendent and the district’s strategic plan for the coming years. Please check back here for more information about those upcoming conversations!