Less than a month before the 2019-20 school year starts, Dripping Springs ISD will be searching for a new leader.

On Thursday, Leander ISD officials named Bruce Gearing, current DSISD Superintendent, as the lone finalist to helm that district’s superintendent position. Gearing will leave DSISD in August to assume his new role, according to a press release. DSISD begins classes Aug. 20.

DSISD’s Board of Trustees will discuss the process for hiring the next superintendent at its July 30 meeting. At that time, trustees will discuss their next steps, including interim superintendent options, timeline, and use of a third party to lead the process.

“Dripping Springs will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Gearing in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the children, parents, and other members of this fantastic community. I have learned many valuable lessons from my experiences in DSISD, which I will take with me as I begin this new adventure.”

Gearing was hired to helm DSISD in February 2012. During his tenure, the district has grown by 50 percent over that span, going from approximately 4,500 students to more than 7,000 students expected this fall.

Gearing also oversaw the opening of Sycamore Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School, as well as two bond programs and a tax ratification election.

“We thank Dr. Gearing for his many years of service to our district and wish him nothing but the best and much success in this new role,” said Dripping Springs ISD Board President Carrie Fontana Kroll. “Our district will continue to thrive during this transition thanks to the phenomenal staff we have in place and the support of our parents and the broader community. DSISD is a respected and innovative district with amazing potential. I have no doubt that we will be able to attract and identify a truly outstanding leader who is highly qualified to lead DSISD into the future.”

Recently, Gearing was named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and is a candidate for the state honor. Gearing is a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences on a variety of topics. In addition to his role in the district, Gearing has been a leader in the community and at the state level. He currently serves as the vice president of the Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) and is on the Dripping Springs YMCA Board of Managers and City of Dripping Springs Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Commission.

Before moving to Dripping Springs, Gearing served three years as Marshall ISD superintendent after spending three years as an assistant superintendent at Mount Pleasant ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), his master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and his Ed.D from Texas A&M University-Commerce.