Dripping Springs ISD names Wellman Interim Superintendent

In a special meeting on Aug. 19, the Dripping Springs ISD Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Nola Wellman as the interim superintendent until a permanent superintendent can be hired. Current superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing will be leaving the district at the end of the month to assume his new position as superintendent of Leander ISD.

“The Board is thrilled to have such a distinguished, retired superintendent joining our ranks to help lead the district through this interim period,” DSISD Board president Carrie Kroll said. “Dr. Wellman has devoted her career to public education. She is passionate about educating children and the Board feels confident that she will ensure all children in DSISD continue to have access to an exceptional, personal education.”

Dr. Wellman was the superintendent of the Eanes ISD from 2004 to 2014. Since retiring from EISD, she has worked as a consultant with several companies providing services related to education. Prior to Eanse, Wellman worked 16 years at the Cherry Creek School District in Denver, where she held multiple positions, including five years as assistant superintendent. Wellman earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, her master’s degree from Colorado State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Denver.

She is expected to spend several days in the district over the next few weeks, then start full-time on Sept. 3.

In a special meeting held Aug. 15, the DSISD Board of Trustees developed the process and timeline for the search for a new, permanent superintendent, and interviewed candidates for an interim superintendent. The search and hiring process for the permanent superintendent, which is being led by Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services, will include opportunities for stakeholder input. Students, district employees, parents and members of the community will be involved in developing a profile of the leadership qualities desired of the candidate the Board should seek to become the new superintendent through in-person meetings and an online survey.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, sessions for parents and community members will be held at the DSISD Administration Building from 7:45-8:45 a.m., from 8:45-9:45 a.m. and from 6-7 p.m.. In addition, another opportunity will be offered at the Sycamore Springs Middle School cafeteria from 5-6 p.m. Meetings are being scheduled with staff members and student representatives as well.

An online survey also will be available for all stakeholders to provide input on a new superintendent. The questions posed at the meeting will be identical to those included on the form so input can be submitted using either method. For online submission visit TASB's website.

Other key dates in the process include a Sept. 23 application deadline and the Board’s initial review of applications on Sept. 30. Interviews will be scheduled the second week in October. Review of applications, candidate interviews, and deliberation will be conducted in Board meeting closed sessions, as permitted by Texas statute.

“The Board is committed to finding an exceptional superintendent who has a clear vision to lead our district,” Kroll said. “As trustees, we will use the input we receive from the community to thoughtfully consider each candidate and ensure our selection will be a great fit for the Dripping Springs community.”