Board of trustees embraces continuity, Estrada; ends search for superintendent
Deputy Superintendent Kim Brents gives Mark Estrada a congratulatory hug after he’s named lone finalist for Lockhart ISD superintendent. Miles Smith/LPR
By Miles Smith
LPR Editor
Lockhart ISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mark Estrada has been named the lone finalist in the seven-candidate race to succeed Dr. Susan Bohn as superintendent.
The LISD Board of Trustees needed just one round of interviews last week with the candidates and 25 minutes in closed session at a special-called Monday night meeting to vote 7-0 to name Estrada its top pick.
The announcement begins a 21-day waiting period, required by law, before the Board may formally hire Estrada as the superintendent, meaning he could take over as soon as July 3.
“I’m incredibly excited for Lockhart ISD students, staff and the community,” said Bohn from her office in Aledo. “Mark has been a huge asset to the district. His leadership will definitely push expectations and performance to a higher level. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing about LISD, because I’m sure I will hear he’s doing good things.
“He just has leadership skills that stand out – a drive to do what is best for kids.”
The unanimous vote was reminiscent of the 7-0 vote that preceded Bohn’s hiring in 2015.
Once Estrada officially takes over superintendent duties, Deputy Superintendent Kimberly Brents will resume her role. She’s been acting as interim superintendent since June 4 following a 5-2 vote to put her in the driver’s seat while the district searched for Bohn’s successor.
“I think it’s fabulous. Mark and I are a great team and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition,” Brents said.
Trustees Michael Wright and Becky Lockhart voted no on Brents in April, but the entire board was in agreement on Monday night.
“Congratulations to you and your family,” said Lockhart, who joined other board members in addressing Estrada following the vote. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”
The Board selected Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services in April to conduct the search for the district’s new leader Bohn announced she was named lone finalist at Aledo ISD.
Get to know Estrada better in this week’s Post-Register.
