Waco ISD News

WACO, TX (September 12, 2024)--The Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Dr. Tiffany Spicer as its lone finalist for superintendent. 

“As a hands-on leader who is comfortable working at the ground level, fostering collaboration and driving continued excellence in all areas of education, she has the ability to drive the district to achievement levels we haven’t seen in decades,” WISD Trustee Keith Guillory said. “Dr. Spicer has the experience and innovative leadership qualities that our schools and community deserve.”

Spicer has served more than two decades in education with 17 of those years in administrative positions. Currently the superintendent of schools in Buna ISD, Spicer's leadership experience includes fast-growth districts, large suburban districts, and rural districts, going through both change and transition. Spicer has served districts ranging from 1,500 students to 40,000 students and has a measured track record of success in serving all student populations. 

“As a servant leader, I am passionately excited about the opportunity for continuous improvement and providing support to ensure excellence, equity, and access for all students in Waco ISD,” Spicer said. “I am committed to collaborative leadership with the staff, district, community, board of trustees, and other major stakeholders under the umbrella of transparency, cooperation, and mutual trust.” 

By law, the Board must now wait 21 days before voting to hire Spicer to be the new superintendent for the district. Spicer is slated to replace retiring superintendent, Dr. Susan Kincannon who has led the district since 2019.

Waco ISD School Board President Stephanie Korteweg said she is looking forward to seeing the good work Dr. Spicer will accomplish in the district. 

“Building on our current successes, I’m confident she will not only continue those successes, but ensure we continue the upward trajectory,” Korteweg said. 

In June, the Waco ISD Board of Trustees hired Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search Services to direct the search for the district’s new superintendent. Four community input sessions to discuss leadership qualities of the new superintendent were held in addition to the community’s opportunity to provide feedback through an online questionnaire. The profile developed from this input was integral in the evaluation by the WISD Board of Trustees of the 51 applicants.

WISD Trustee Angelo Ochoa said Spicer’s ability to relate to people in addition to her track record of success in both large and small districts made her the clear choice for superintendent. 

“She is an extremely knowledgeable, results driven superintendent, who supports teachers and puts what’s best for students at the heart of all her decisions. We are looking forward to supporting her through all of Waco ISD’s continued success.”    

The Board selected six applicants for initial interviews with four applicants invited for a second interview. With the second round of interviews completed, a committee of the Board visited Spicer’s current district and reported back to the Board earlier this week. 

“Three of us were able to travel to Dr. Spicer’s current district to interview parents, board members, community leaders, administrators, and business leaders. I wasn’t surprised by their consistent high praise of Dr Spicer,” WISD Trustee Jonathan Grant said. “I was moved, however, by the tears that welled up in their eyes as they shared the love they have for her, the tremendous work she has done, the pride they have to be able to call her one of their own. We are getting an all-star. I can’t wait for our community to meet her.”

The WISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on October 4 to offer a contract to Spicer.

“Dr. Spicer has administrative experience in both very large and small districts. She is an incredible selection after a large superintendent search that yielded many quality choices. Dr. Spicer is an exciting and dynamic leader,” Trustee Jim Patton said.