Conroe Courier July 7, 2023

Willis ISD officials have appointed Sara Goolsby as acting superintendent while the search to replace former Superintendent Tim Harkrider continues. 

Goolsby, the district’s assistant superintendent of innovation, teaching and learning, has been appointed acting superintendent until an interim superintendent is chosen by the district’s board. 

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Goolsby started working for the district in 2016, serving as the Willis High School dean of curriculum. She served in 2020 as the executive director of secondary education before being promoted to assistant superintendent of innovation, teaching and learning in 2022. 

District officials hope to have an interim superintendent by the time the 2023-24 school year starts, said Board President Kyle Hogemeyer.

The interim superintendent would serve in the role for several months to the end of next year, he said. 

“We’re not going to rush into just hiring a superintendent,” Hogemeyer said. “We’re going to find the right person that we feel is the best that can improve Willis ISD. We don’t know how long that search is going to take. We anticipate it being four to eight months.” 

Harkrider announced early June he would be stepping down from his role at the district to serve as the superintendent for College Station ISD.

“He has done a great job in this community,” Goolsby said. 

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Harkrider received several accolades during his 11-year tenure with the district. 

In 2018, Harkrider was named as the Texas Association of School Boards Region 6 Superintendent of the Year and was one of the finalist in the state competition.

The school board’s nomination letter commended Harkrider for his leadership as a superintendent who has not only impacted student performance but has also led to improvements in facilities, staff wellness, technology access and financial stability. 

Several years later, Harkrider was named the first Superintendent of the Year by the Lone Star State School Counseling Association in 2021 for his efforts in reshaping and strengthening the role of school counselors in students’ academic careers.

Harkrider has also led the district through the passing of three bond packages — $109.5 million in 2015, $100.15 million in 2020 and $143 million in 2022. 

“Tim has done a great job for our district,” Hogemeyer said, noting Harkrider’s work over the last 10 years with the district as it grew. “But I think at this point in time…we’re looking to grow, we’re looking to develop. We need someone with new ideas. We want them to come in here and take ownership of what we do.” 

The district currently has 9,000 students, but is expect to grow another 6,000, Hoegemeyer said. 

“As we grow, we’re going to need somebody who wants to grow with us, who understands the growth and can help us manage it,” he said. 

The district plans to hire a firm soon to search for a new superintendent, Hogemeyer said. 

Goolsby hopes to make a seamless transition, she said. 

“I’m eager to be able to get ready for school,” Goolsby said. “We’re going to continue our business for students, staff and faculty that are coming back.”