The Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees took a significant step on Thursday evening in its search for a new superintendent, officially naming Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson, P.C., in partnership with experienced educational consultant Dr. Ann Dixon, to lead the search process. The decision comes as AISD prepares for the retirement of current Superintendent Doug Loomis, who has announced that he will step down in June 2025 after nearly four decades of service to the district.
The board's selection marks the culmination of a month-long preparation process, which began in September with the AISD Board reviewing proposals from ten consulting firms. After careful deliberation, the board narrowed its choices to three finalists: Leasor Crass, P.C., The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), and Walsh Gallegos, with Dr. Ann Dixon. Following a series of presentations, the board voted unanimously to partner with Walsh Gallegos and Dr. Dixon, citing their wealth of experience, strategic approach, and commitment to a transparent and inclusive search process.
A Thorough and Collaborative Search Process
AISD Board President Doyle Corder emphasized the board’s commitment to selecting the best possible leader for the district. “We’re committed to finding the right leader for our district,” Corder stated. “We want the community to know that we are working diligently to hire the best possible candidate—someone who can lead the district with vision, integrity, and the right experience. This isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about securing the future success of Amarillo ISD.”
The search process will be led by Walsh Gallegos, a law firm with over 40 years of experience representing public school districts in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The firm has successfully completed more than 90 superintendent searches since 2013, making it one of the most experienced firms in the field. Its expertise in legal matters, coupled with a highly personalized, board-driven approach, was a key factor in the board’s decision.
“We bring a collaborative, hands-on approach to every search,” said Chris Kyle, a partner at Walsh Gallegos. “Our goal is to work closely with the board to tailor the search to the unique needs of Amarillo ISD. Every district is different, and our firm adapts to each district’s individual needs, ensuring that the board’s priorities are front and center throughout the process.”
A key partner in the search will be Dr. Ann Dixon, an educational consultant with a long track record of leading successful superintendent searches. With more than 54 superintendent searches and 25 interim appointments to her name, Dr. Dixon is a highly regarded expert in educational leadership. Her reputation for thoroughness and attention to detail stood out to the AISD Board, who recognized her process as a strong fit for their needs.
Dr. Dixon’s methodology includes conducting personal interviews with each candidate, gathering comprehensive background information, and ensuring that the board has all the data necessary to make an informed decision. “By the time you name a finalist, our goal is that you won’t hear anything surprising about that candidate,” Dixon said. “We leave no stone unturned.”
Community Engagement: A Central Pillar of the Process
One of the most important elements of the search process will be the involvement of AISD stakeholders. Walsh Gallegos and Dr. Dixon are committed to ensuring that the community has a voice in shaping the search criteria. As part of the process, the firm will conduct community surveys, gather input through town hall meetings, and solicit feedback from AISD staff, parents, students, and community members.
“We want to hear from the people who are most impacted by the decisions made at Amarillo ISD,” Dr. Dixon said. “The feedback from the community will help us refine the search criteria and ensure that the candidates we present align with the district’s needs and the community’s vision for the future.”
The board stressed that community feedback would be critical in identifying the key characteristics and qualifications that the next superintendent should possess. In addition to gathering input from surveys and meetings, the board will also seek feedback from staff, parents, and students through other channels, including social media and the district’s website.
“We’re fully committed to ensuring that this search is transparent and that the community’s voice is heard throughout the process,” President Corder added. “The new superintendent will play a pivotal role in the future of our district, and we want to ensure that the selection process reflects the values and aspirations of our community.”
A Comprehensive Vetting Process
Once candidates have been identified, Walsh Gallegos and Dr. Dixon will oversee an extensive vetting process. The firm will conduct rigorous background checks, including reference calls, criminal history reviews, and even credit history assessments. The goal, according to Chris Kyle, is to ensure that every candidate is thoroughly vetted, leaving no questions unanswered about their qualifications.
“We want to make sure that we’re hiring someone who not only meets the professional qualifications but also aligns with the values of our district and the needs of the community,” Kyle said. “It’s not just about hiring the most qualified individual—it’s about hiring someone who will be a good fit for Amarillo ISD, both professionally and culturally.”
The vetting process will also include interviews with key stakeholders, including district administrators, teachers, and community leaders. The AISD Board emphasized that thoroughness, transparency, and diligence would be paramount as they move forward with the search.
Timeline and Next Steps
The search process is expected to unfold over the coming months. Walsh Gallegos and Dr. Dixon will work with the AISD Board to establish a clear timeline for the search, including the advertisement of the superintendent position, collection of applications, and review of candidate profiles. Once the field of candidates is narrowed down, the AISD Board will conduct interviews and continue to gather feedback from the community and district stakeholders.
“The timeline is flexible, but we are committed to moving efficiently and thoughtfully through the process,” said Doyle Corder. “We want to ensure that we take the time necessary to make an informed decision that reflects the best interests of our students and the future of Amarillo ISD.”
Once a finalist is selected, the AISD Board will work with the firm to finalize contract terms and prepare for a smooth transition. The new superintendent will be expected to begin their tenure after Superintendent Doug Loomis retires in June 2025.
“We are confident that, with the help of Walsh Gallegos and Dr. Dixon, we will be able to identify the right leader for our district,” Corder concluded. “This process is about much more than just hiring a new superintendent; it’s about securing a strong future for Amarillo ISD.”
