Pasadena, TX – The Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) Board of Trustees is actively searching for a new superintendent, aiming to make a selection by mid-March. The search follows the retirement announcement of Superintendent DeeAnn Powell, who has led the district for over a decade.
The Search Process: Finding the Right Leader
In a two-hour closed session on Thursday, board members reviewed candidates from across the country and voted to interview six applicants in two rounds.
Board President Casey Phelan emphasized that the board is looking for a leader who will continue Powell’s work and maintain her leadership style.
“We’re very happy with what we have and we’re very sad to lose her, so we’re really just looking to continue and build on that,” Phelan said.
DeeAnn Powell’s Impact on Pasadena ISD
Powell, the first female superintendent in Pasadena ISD history and the first graduate of the district to hold the position, announced last fall that she plans to stay through the end of the school year.
Under her leadership:
Student test scores improved
More graduates were college- and career-ready
The district navigated three hurricanes, multiple storms, and a global pandemic
Powell’s tenure of over ten years is more than double the national average for school superintendents, making her a stabilizing force in Pasadena ISD.
Community Input in the Selection Process
In preparation for the search, district officials surveyed parents, business leaders, and community members to determine the most important qualities in a new superintendent.
Trustee Kenny Fernandez stressed the need for a highly engaged leader who is involved in all aspects of the Pasadena community.
“I’d like the superintendent to be somebody who’s an all-in superintendent,” Fernandez said. “From the Chamber of Commerce to the business community, religious leaders, students, and staff, they need to be present in every aspect of Pasadena ISD.”
As the board narrows down the finalists, the next superintendent will have big shoes to fill. Powell’s legacy of leadership and student success has left a lasting impact, and Pasadena ISD aims to find a visionary leader who will continue that momentum.
With six candidates under consideration, the district is moving quickly to ensure a smooth transition before Powell’s departure. The final decision is expected by mid-March.
