The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has tabbed Austin Independent School District (AISD) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde the lone finalist for its top office, according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Elizalde, who has helmed AISD since 2020, could return to the school district where she served as chief of school leadership before coming to the state capital.
According to Austin CBS affiliate KEYE, the DISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move Elizalde one step closer to its superintendent position.
The station reported that the North Texas ISD will undergo a state-required three-week review period in which it'll ultimately determine whether to officially award Elizalde a contract.
AISD Board of Trustees President Geronimo Rodriguez said in a statement distributed to the media that Elizalde led the district through what he described as "an unprecedented and challenging two years,” referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Her commitment to our AISD mission allowed our community to safely move through the pandemic and stay laser-focused on academic achievement," Rodriguez said in the statement published in a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN. "She has been unwavering in her support of our students, faculty and staff as well as a mindful steward of our AISD resources. The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will meet soon to discuss a transition plan for our administrative leadership."
Elizalde's previous time with DISD factored into its decision to designate her a finalist for its highest post, per Austin FOX affiliate KTBC.
"Dr. Elizalde has a long history with this district," DISD Trustee Joyce Foreman said, according to the station. "I’ve worked with her in the past, and I look forward to working with her in the future."
KTBC reported that Elizalde could succeed incumbent DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, who announced earlier this year that he'll step down after nearly 15 years.