Leander ISD Board Of Trustees Appoints Interim Superintendent

LEANDER, TX -- Leander ISD board of trustees appointed an interim superintendent of schools during their Thursday meeting as they prepare to search for a replacement for the outgoing chief of schools.

Karie Lynn McSpadden was tapped as interim superintendent at the May 12 board meeting. She will work alongside Leander ISD Superintendent of Schools Bret A. Champion until he moves on to a new position he's accepted as the superintendent of schools at Klein ISD.

McSpadden currently serves as LISD assistant superintendent for human resources, and has been with the district since 2006. In her current role, she has served on the superintendent’s cabinet and executive team and also has worked closely with the Board of Trustees and campus leaders.

“Ms. McSpadden has a strong understanding of the Leander ISD vision, as well as the day-to-day operations of the district. As a core member of the leadership team, her input to the superintendent and the Board of Trustees has been invaluable,” LISD Board President Will Streit said in a prepared statement.

“Ms. McSpadden’s proven leadership will guide the district until a new superintendent is in place," Streit added. "We appreciate her willingness to serve the district as interim superintendent during this transition.”

The board previously disclosed the superintendent selection process will not allow for the LISD interim superintendent to be considered as a candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant superintendent of schools position. This aim of that decision is to allow for an open process allowing any candidate who is not serving as the LISD interim superintendent to be considered, from inside or outside the district, officials said.

McSpadden said she was looking forward to fulfilling her new, albeit interim, role.

"I am honored to step into this role and serve the students, teachers, principals and staff of the district as our Board conducts the superintendent search,” McSpadden said in a prepared statement.

“LISD is a remarkable district with strong academics, amazing student success and passionate staff from every area of the district," McSpadden added. "Our parents and community support our schools and programs. Candidates will be drawn to this culture. I look forward to serving the district in this temporary role and am committed to seeing us continue to do what we do best – focusing on student learning.”

McSpadden earned her Master of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Texas A&M University. She is currently completing a master’s degree in education specializing in counseling.

>>> Photo of McSpadden courtesy of LISD