While a search for a replacement for former Willis ISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider is underway, officials at the school have appointed Sara Goolsby as acting superintendent.
Until an interim superintendent is picked by the district’s board, Ms. Goolsby–who is the district’s assistant superintendent of innovation, teaching and learning– will be acting superintendent.
Ms. Goolsby has served a number of important roles at Willis ISD. She was employed by the district in 2016 to be the Willis High School dean of curriculum. In 2020, she became the executive director of secondary education. In 2022, she was promoted to the post of assistant superintendent of innovation, teaching and learning.
According to Willis ISD Board President Kyle Hoegemeyer, the district is hoping to have an interim superintendent in place by the time the 2023-24 school year gets underway.
Hoegemeyer said they weren’t going to “rush” the hiring of a new superintendent. They want to hire the “right person.” Regarding the search, he said, “We anticipate it being four to eight months.”
In June, former Superintendent Harkrider announced he would be leaving his role and would next serve as the superintendent for College Station ISD. He served 11 years with the Willis district.
Hoegemeyer said there are currently 9,000 students in the district. He expects that number to grow to another 6,000.
