The Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Deidre Parish as the lone finalist for the district’s next superintendent.
Dr. Parish, a Lubbock native, brings a wealth of experience in public education. She currently serves as the Superintendent of Sweetwater ISD and previously led Darrouzett ISD. Her career also includes roles as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction at Decatur ISD, Director of Professional Learning at Frisco ISD, and Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Parish to the Amarillo ISD team,” said Doyle Corder, President of the Board of Trustees. “We were blessed to have numerous high-quality candidates, and Dr. Parish rose to the top in the rounds of interviews. We look forward to having her lead AISD as we continue preparing Amarillo students for life and success beyond high school.”
By state law, the board must wait at least 21 days after announcing a lone finalist before officially hiring a superintendent. Dr. Parish is set to succeed current Superintendent Doug Loomis, who will retire in June.
Dr. Parish expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration. “Mr. Loomis and his team have done a wonderful job of building Amarillo ISD and giving opportunities to students. I’m going to listen, I’m going to learn, I’m going to meet people, and then together, we’ll move forward. I’m here to join the team,” she said.
Dr. Parish and her husband, Dr. Bud Parish, have two grown daughters, Catherine and Isabella, who also work in public education.
