Statement from Spearman ISD on Retirement of Superintendent Gist

Superintendent Dan Ray Gist Announces Plans to Retire

School Board

March 7, 2024 - After four years of service to the Spearman Independent School District community and 34 years in public education, Dan Gist announced his retirement today as the Superintendent of Schools.

Gist's last day in the district will be June 30, 2024; he will remain the Superintendent of the school district to assist the Board with finding his successor and implementing a transition of leadership. The Board of Trustees will begin discussions about the superintendent search as soon as reasonably possible.

"Kelly and I have been so blessed to be a pati of Spearman ISD for the past 4 years. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished. Spearman ISD has many great teachers, support staff and administrators. These employees of the district have done the hard work to make this district one of the best in the State. I want to thank the community for welcoming us with open arms and supporting us while we were here at Spearman. But most of all, we will miss the kids of Spearman ISD. We love them and believe in them. Looking ahead, I believe new leadership and a new perspective will build on our legacy of success, and bring new ideas to the table," said Superintendent Gist.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Dr. Mark Garnett praised the superintendent for his ability to build a strong culture of collaboration both within the district and between the district and the community.

"On behalf of the Board, we highly value the progress made in our school system under Superintendent Gist's leadership. Gist has been a tireless visionary for Spearman ISD over the past 4 years. Along with the Board, Gist has focused SISD and its stakeholders on identifying and developing the strengths and gifts of every child. This vision culminated in the single focused goal for all of our students to achieve success beyond high school graduation," said School Board President Dr. Garnett.

District Highlights Under Gist's Leadership Academic Achievement 2021-2023

• Blue Ribbon Jr. High in 2021

• District 2022- Overall - A - 96 - Designation in Postsecondary Readiness

• High School 2022- Overall - A - 94 - 7 out of 7 Distinction Designations

• Jr. High 2022 - Overall - A - 94 - 6 out of 7 Distinction Designations

• Elementary 2022- Overall -B - 87 - 2 Distinction Designations (Up from an 83)

• Texas State Champions in National High School Academic Excellence Award-2022 Football Team - Highest GPA in Class 3A

• Texas State Champions in National High School Academic Excellence Award - 2023 Football Team - Highest GPA in Class 3A

• Spearman High School earned National Ranking in 2023-2024 Best High Schools in U.S. News

Financial Achievements 2022-2023

• FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) Report 2023 - Scored 100

• Clean Audits from 2021-2024 - Zero findings - Returned $240K. to General Fund in 2023

About Dan Ray Gist

Dan Gist has been the Superintendent of Schools in Spearman ISD since July 2020. Prior to this appointment, Gist worked at Pilot Point ISD for 20 years and the last 6 serving as the Superintendent. His vast experience includes periods as an Algebra teacher, Athletic Director, Head Football and Basketball Coach, Assistant Principal, Assistant Superintendent as well the Superintendent of Schools

A Texas native, Dan Ray Gist grew up in Pilot Point Texas. Gist received his M.Ed. in administration from Texas Womans' University in Denton, Texas in 2002. His principal certification was obtained in February of 2003, and superintendent ce1iification in May of 2005, in the state of Texas. Dan did his undergraduate work at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he obtained a BS in Physical Education in 1990. He completed his undergraduate work at TWU with a Minor in Secondary Math in March of 1992. His educational career staiied in Celina ISD in 1990, as an Algebra teacher and coach. In the spring of 1997, Gist became the athletic director and head football coach at Tom Bean ISD. In the fall of 2000, he was named as the assistant principal at Pilot Point High School and eventually became Assistant Superintendent for twelve years before becoming superintendent.