Troxell Named 2008 Superintendent of the Year
For Immediate Release: September 29, 2008
Contact: Barbara Williams, 800.580.8272, ext. 6418
(AUSTIN)—Dan Troxell of Kerrville ISD was named Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) September 28 in Dallas. The Award is presented annually at the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)/TASB Convention to recognize chief administrators who exemplify excellence and achievement in educational leadership. State finalists for the prestigious award included Ted Moore, Lovejoy ISD, ESC 10; Stephen Waddell, Birdville ISD, ESC 11; Dennis Hill, Llano ISD, ESC 13; and Doug Harriman, Seminole ISD, ESC 17.
The state selection committee, which interviewed SOTY finalists September 26 in Dallas, focused on such issues as community support, financial challenges, teamwork, advocacy, and societal and demographic changes affecting education.
Over sixty-five percent of Kerrville residents are retired, and the committee noted how Troxell has strived to involve retirees in the district. Troxell furthers academic opportunities for his students through initiatives such as expanding the prekindergarten program to include three-year-olds, and placing emphasis on science and math. The committee also cited his work with the county judge, city, and the Kerrville Economic Development Foundation to bring in community college educators from other areas to conduct classes in Kerrville.
Serving approximately 4,800 students, Troxell has led Kerrville ISD for six years and has more than 18 years of experience in education administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, master’s at Texas State University, and doctorate at UT–Austin. Troxell is a board member of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kerrville Economic Development Foundation, Kerrville Little League, and TASB Risk Management Fund. He also is the founder of the Greater Hill Country–San Antonio Consortium of Districts.
In addition, Troxell serves on the TASA Legislative Committee, UIL Legislative Council, Commissioner of Education Committee for Gifted and Talented Education, and ESC 20 Regional Advisory Executive Committee. Superintendent Troxell received a monetary award for professional development, which he has donated back to the district, and a Superintendent of the Year ring from Balfour, program sponsor. State finalists also received an award from Balfour.
SOTY candidates are chosen for their dedication to improving educational quality, board-superintendent relations, student achievement, and commitment to community support and involvement in public education. Superintendents from any of Texas’ 1,035 school districts and county school boards are eligible for nomination by their local boards of trustees if they have been with the district at least three years. District nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which submits one nominee per region to the state selection committee.