The Castleberry ISD Board of Trustees named Acting Superintendent, Renee Smith-Faulkner, as the Lone Finalist to serve as the next superintendent for the district at its January 11th special meeting.
Smith-Faulkner has served as CISD's Associate Superintendent since 2017, and she is known as a visionary district administrator with a laser focus on student achievement and educational equity. Among her key achievements are leading the efforts to raise district accountability from a "C" rating to a "B" in one year and the "Digital Equity for All" program for students. Her 30 years of experience with Castleberry ISD, from a teacher's role to an administrator's role, gives her a unique perspective on how to lead the district in which she has dedicated her entire career. She is a homegrown Lion, attending CISD from first grade until her graduation from Castleberry High School in 1982. Smith-Faulkner earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas in December 2016.
"As a strong believer that education must evolve to keep up with the twenty-first century student, I worked to implement strategies that offer personalized digital learning opportunities as far back as 1999," Smith-Faulkner stated. "This vision and forethought would play a huge part when the pandemic hit in March 2020. Positioned for success, our district did not scramble for an online solution like most."
In 1991, Ms. Smith-Faulkner started her career as a middle school English teacher at Irma Marsh. By the next decade, she was promoted to the district's first Director of Technology Services and oversaw the charge for integrating technology into the modern classroom. As her role transformed into Assistant and Associate Superintendent, her vision for creating a 21st century learning environment led to multiple district innovations. She guided the reorganization of curriculum and technology staff into a cohesive functioning team, increased grant funds from state and federal sources, streamlined the PLC (Professional Learning Community) process both campus and district wide, and initiated the reorganization of the school calendar to maximize student learning potential.
Ms. Smith-Faulkner is known for her gift of building positive and trusting team relationships that foster professional growth for all stakeholders. As an active member of the community, she has pioneered the development of the Castleberry ISD Education Foundation, which has brought together businesses, industry, religious, and civic organizations to advance district goals. Her reach for innovation does not stop at the walls of the school district. Fundamentally, she understands the impact and values of the importance of community partnerships that help Castleberry students and families build a better future.
"Enthusiastic support from both CISD staff and the Castleberry community was evident last night as many attended the board meeting and waited patiently while the board interviewed Ms. Smith-Faulkner and then nominated her as the lone finalist to be the next superintendent," said David Holder, Vice-President of Castleberry ISD Board of Education on behalf of the entire Board. A roomful of applause responded to the board’s unanimous vote for Ms. Smith-Faulkner.
"A 21-day waiting period is required by law before a nominee can become superintendent. On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank our community for your interest in and support of this process. We anticipate a healthy and productive working relationship to continue with Ms. Smith-Faulkner as CISD superintendent for years to come," said Kenneth Romo, Castleberry ISD Board of Education President.
Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period after naming the lone finalist before the superintendent can be officially named.
Additional Information Regarding Appointment
The information below provides important information regarding the Appointment of Renee Smith-Faulkner as Superintendent.