Just before students returned to class this week, Dripping Springs ISD elected leadership tabbed a longtime administrator to guide the district on an interim basis.
Nola Wellman, who had served as the Eanes ISD superintendent from 2004 to 2014, was named as the interim DSISD superintendent by board trustees in an Aug. 19 special called meeting, according to a press release.
Wellman will serve in an interim role until a permanent superintendent is found at a later date. Wellman will bridge the gap left by Bruce Gearing, who will leave DSISD at the end of August to assume his new position with Leander ISD.
Since her retirement following her tenure at Eanes ISD, Wellman has worked as a consultant with several companies providing services related to education.
Wellman came to Eanes following 16 years at the Cherry Creek School District in Denver, where she held multiple positions, including five years as assistant superintendent. Wellman is expected to start full-time at DSISD Sept. 3. Wellman earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, her master’s degree from Colorado State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Denver, per the release.
“The Board is thrilled to have such a distinguished, retired superintendent joining our ranks to help lead the district through this interim period,” said Board President Carrie Kroll. “Dr. Wellman has devoted her career to public education. She is passionate about educating children and the Board feels confident that she will ensure all children in DSISD continue to have access to an exceptional, personal education.”
Wellman’s hire as the interim superintendent was one of several processes DSISD leaders have taken to fill the superintendent role.
On Aug. 15, DSISD trustees developed the process and timeline for the search for a new, permanent superintendent, and interviewed candidates for an interim superintendent.
The search and hiring process for the permanent superintendent, which is being led by Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services, will include several opportunities for stakeholder input in a series of public forums on Sept. 5.
An online survey will be available on the district website for residents to offer their input.
DSISD plans to conduct interviews for the superintendent position starting in the second week of October.
Review of applications, candidate interviews, and deliberation will be conducted in Board meeting closed sessions, as permitted by Texas statute.
“The Board is committed to finding an exceptional superintendent who has a clear vision to lead our district,” said Kroll. “As trustees, we will use the input we receive from the community to thoughtfully consider each candidate and ensure our selection will be a great fit for the Dripping Springs community.”
