McFarland Named Superintendent of the Year Finalist
LANCASTER-And then there were five… Lancaster Independent School District Superintendent and Regional Superintendent of the Year Dr. Michael McFarland has made it to the next round of selection for the statewide honor. Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). Since 1984, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership.
The 2014 finalists and nominating education service centers (ESCs) are A. Marcus Nelson, Laredo ISD, ESC 1; Jon Wunderlich, Weimar ISD, ESC 3; Danny Taylor, Burkburnett ISD, ESC 9; Michael McFarland, Lancaster ISD, ESC 10; and Mark Eads, San Marcos CISD, ESC 13.
The state selection committee, which interviewed regional winners August 22-23 in Austin, targeted such issues as the long-term success of public education, implementation of House Bill (HB) 5 and recommendations for the next legislative session, staff morale and maintenance of district health, program and student success, and the superintendent’s role as a leader for students, staff, and community.
At the helm of Lancaster ISD for four years, McFarland has a total of 16 years in education administration and serves more than 6,300 students. McFarland believes that students have changed, and we must be willing to change the education system for these different types of learners. His philosophy of listen, learn, and lead was cited, and the committee also noted that McFarland interviewed every senior to ensure each student had a “flight” plan after graduation. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Baylor University, master’s degree at Stephen F. Austin State University, and doctorate at Baylor University.
Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. Superintendents from any of Texas’ 1,030 local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee.
The 2014 Superintendent of the Year will be announced September 26 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas. The winning superintendent will receive an award from Balfour, program underwriter.
