AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- With the search for a permanent superintendent expected to take much of the next year, Austin ISD trustees have named Dr. Anthony Mays as the district's interim superintendent for the 2022-23 school year.
Mays has served as the district's Chief of Schools since October 2020. His education career began 20 years ago in Pflugerville ISD as a special education teacher, along with stops in Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, and the Harris County Department of Education.
Trustees approved Mays' appointment by a vote of 7-0-2, with trustees Arati Singh and Lynn Boswell abstaining.
"Being a student of poverty that moved from a comprehensive program to a magnet program, I grew up in a school system where I experienced inequities," Dr. Mays said in a statement. "The experience of a quality education has placed me in a position to lead fearlessly in my advocacy for all students to have a quality education that allows them to thrive in college, career, and life."
Outgoing AISD superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde is set to assume her new role leading Dallas ISD on July 1. She was named the lone finalist for the position last month, and was formally named the next superintendent on June 9.
"The trustees feel confident that Dr. Mays will provide the steady leadership our students and staff need during the 2022–23 school year. Our focus will remain on raising academic outcomes for all children and on preparing every student with what they need to thrive in college, career, and life,” said AISD board president Geronimo Rodriguez.
Mays has plenty of ties to Austin and AISD, with children attending the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and Kiker Elementary. He's a graduate of Huston-Tillotson University, where he met his wife, Belinda.
The board says it will begin the hiring process for a permanent superintendent later this year, with a focus on informal community engagement beginning during the summer. That engagement will lead to a Request for Proposals for a superintendent search firm in January, with a selection and hiring of the new superintendent planned by the summer of 2023.