Press Release: Spearman Names Finalist for New Superintendent

Press Release

The Spearman ISD Board of Trustees has named Ms. Ronni LeeAnn McGraw as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools, following a comprehensive search process that included community and staff input.

To help guide the selection, the Board conducted a districtwide survey inviting staff, families, and community members to share the leadership qualities and experiences they believe are important in the next superintendent. More than 160 individuals participated in the survey.

Survey feedback indicated stakeholders value Spearman ISD’s strong community culture and traditions and want a superintendent who communicates transparently, supports staff, manages resources responsibly, and remains highly visible and engaged with students, staff, and the community.

After carefully considering the feedback and conducting multiple rounds of interviews, the Board believes Ms. McGraw reflects the leadership qualities the SISD community identified as most important, including a commitment to high academic expectations and continuous improvement in student outcomes. 

Ms. McGraw began her education career in 2007 as a teacher at Center Middle School with Center ISD. She later relocated to West Texas to teach at Crockett Middle School in Pecos, Texas where she moved into the administrative roles serving as Principal for Pecos Kindergarten and then Austin Elementary. McGraw also served as Principal at McCamey Middle School in McCamey, Texas before becoming the Superintendent at Sierra Blanca ISD in Sierra Blanca, Texas. She has been a public-school educator for a total of 19 years in which she served 6 years as a campus Principal and 3 ½ years as a Superintendent.

McGraw earned her B.S. in Applied Arts and Science and alternative certification for teaching EC-4 from Lamar University, M.Ed. in Educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin and obtained superintendent certification from Region 18 ESC. In her career she has partnered with UT Austin and the Meadows Center on research-based strategies for teaching and support models for coaching teachers. She is an innovative leader and loves to lead teachers and students to achieve positive outcomes.

McGraw has two sons (Jesse and Cody) who are both following their careers. She has parents and family in East Texas. She looks forward to joining the Spearman school family.

Board President Dustin Mackie praised the thoughtful work of the trustees throughout the process.

“I am incredibly proud of the diligence and commitment shown by our Board throughout this process,” said President Mackie. “We worked together to ensure the voices of our staff and community were heard, and I want to thank my fellow trustees for their thoughtful approach to selecting the next leader of SISD. We are excited about the future and confident that Ms. McGraw has the leadership and vision to help move our district forward.”

The Board believes this leadership transition provides an opportunity to continue strengthening relationships while maintaining a clear focus on academic excellence and ensuring every Spearman ISD student is prepared for success. 

State law requires a 21-day waiting period before the Board can take final action to approve the superintendent’s contract