By Phillip Navarrette/reporter@trcle.com
The Cleburne ISD school board Friday named Sweetwater ISD Superintendent Dr. Ronny Beard as the lone finalist for CISD’s superintendent position.
“I’m thrilled to be named the lone finalist for superintendent of Cleburne ISD,” Beard said in a written statement. “I’m looking forward to working with teachers, staff, trustees and parents as, together, we strive to provide the students of Cleburne ISD the best education possible.
Beard, 56, is in his fourth year at Sweetwater ISD. Before that, he was assistant superintendent of instruction at White Settlement ISD. He has also served as principal at Sudan High School in Sudan and Bangs High School in Bangs.
Beard would succeed Robert Damron, who asked to be reassigned April 1 after the Texas Education Agency released a report that said the district misspent some federal money. The money was spent on students’ education needs but not following appropriate guidelines. Damron asked to be reassigned after the district received the 155 page report.
While at White Settlement ISD, Beard supervised federal funds for the district.
“Throughout my career, my mission has been to improve the quality of instruction by improving my own personal and professional skills and encouraging those around me to seek new and better ways to accomplish the tasks of teaching and learning,” he said. “I’m hoping my experiences as a teacher and administrator will be helpful and prove beneficial as the newest member of the Cleburne ISD team.
Beard said he and his wife, Martha, are happy in Sweetwater, but love Cleburne and the surrounding community and are thankful for the opportunity to live and work here.
“I’m excited about coming to Cleburne and plan to get there as soon as possible following the 21 day waiting period.”
Under state law, the board has to wait at least 21 days before hiring any finalist for the district’s top spot.
“I believe my personal and professional leadership attributes are compatible with the board’s and community’s goals for Cleburne ISD, and together we will move forward in addressing the challenges, while recognizing and celebrating the great things taking place now and in the days to come,” Beard said.
While at BHS, Beard was named Outstanding Secondary Principal for Region XV. During his seven years as a high school principal, both of his schools were received Recognized or Exemplary status from the TEA.
CISD school board President Stu Madison said Beard would be an asset to the district if hired.
“Dr. Beard is highly trained in leadership, curriculum and finance, with experience in both urban and rural communities,” Madison said. “In addition, he is a man of faith, and I believe that there is still plenty of need for a person of faith to be in charge of our children’s educational development. He is a candidate that the board identified early in the process and was asked to apply for the position. Since his first interview four weeks ago, he has been at the top of our candidate list, and I personally feel that we are lucky to have his commitment.
“I’ve spoken to his former employer, his board members, his current administration, his principals, the leaders in his community and even four of his teachers,” Madison said. “They all agree that if there is a rising star in Texas school administration, it’s Dr. Ronny Beard.”
