By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing was named one of four finalists for the superintendent position at Conway Public Schools in Arkansas in mid November but over the weekend, Gearing withdrew from that search at the same time he is seeking voluntary retirement from LISD while intense discussions are underway about school closures.
“Out of respect for both communities and after much consideration, Supt. Gearing has withdrawn from the superintendent search in Conway, directing his energy toward ensuring a successful transition here in Leander ISD and helping set the stage for our district’s continued excellence,” shared Crestina Hardie, LISD’s chief communications officer.
Gearing – who has served as LISD superintendent since August 2019 – is also seeking voluntary retirement from LISD, a new development.
Voluntary retirement
In the closed session of the LISD Board meeting on November 20, the board discussed agenda item 9.D. was entitled “Texas Government Code 551.074: deliberation regarding Superintendent contract”.
Agenda item for this week’s December 11 board meeting states that the superintendent is seeking voluntary retirement. Closed session agenda item 10.D states “Texas Government Code 551.074: consideration of Voluntary Retirement Agreement with Superintendent, and Appointment of Acting Superintendent”.
In a statement to Cedar Park High School News on December 5, LISD Board President Anna Smith said:
“We deeply appreciate Dr. Gearing’s years of service to Leander ISD and the students we serve. We wish him a joyful and fulfilling retirement.”
(Read the CPHS News report by clicking here for more details at the December 4 meeting.)
The discussion at the most recent regular meeting became tense at times over school closures and consolidations. Trustees questioned whether leadership or the board should decide which campuses to consolidate prior to the Dec. 11 meeting.
Board President Smith challenged the process, but Gearing pushed back, sharing that the administration provided a clear path in the fall.
Looking for another job
Last month, Gearing did not notify the LISD Board of Trustees of his Arkansas job search prior to the finalist announcement on November 14.
Gearing and three other finalists were among 16 applicants for the top job at Conway Public Schools, 30 miles north of Little Rock. The Conway board started doing initial interviews with the finalists this week for the 9,500-student school district.
“While this announcement came as a surprise to the board, we want to assure our community that the board remains dedicated and focused on our purpose — serving students, supporting staff and continuing the important work happening across our classrooms and campuses every day,” the district shared in November. “The Board of Trustees will continue to ensure stability, transparency and progress for our district regardless of any outcome.”
Looking forward
Leander ISD wants to reassure the community that the district continues to focus on its work.
“We are deeply proud of the work being done in Leander ISD — by our teachers, support staff, leaders, families and, ultimately, our students. Together, we remain focused on what matters most — providing high-quality student experiences for every student and ensuring #1LISD continues to thrive,” Hardie shared.