Killeen ISD’s Chief Named Regional Superintendent of the Year

Waco – Dr. Robert Muller, Killeen ISD (KISD) superintendent, has been named the Region 12 Superintendent of the Year and nominee for the Texas Superintendent ofthe Year.

“We are thrilled to recognize an outstanding education leader,” Executive Director Dr. Jerry Maze said. “Dr. Muller is truly a visionary whose commitment to leading and supporting staff and students is evident through the district’s continuous improvement and success.”

“I am truly humbled to receive this award as I know there are many deserving superintendents in Central Texas. I look forward to representing Central Texas and sharingthe exceptional work our board and staff have achieved throughout the state,” said Muller.

Muller began his career in Killeen ISD in 2003 as a deputy superintendent and was named superintendent in 2009. During Muller’s time as superintendent, the district has improved its overall school rating from Academically Acceptable to Recognized, with much of the improvement due to initiatives started by Muller. Under his leadership, the district improvement changed to and continues to focus on four key areas: district wide standard curriculum, expert instructional delivery, ongoing assessment and responding to needs.

Muller sincerely believes that responding to the needs of students is what the school district must do above all else. The district has improved using a number of interventions established by Muller. These include a national Math and Science Grant Initiative to increase students’ success on college exams and GearUP, a seven year college and career readiness grant program that will support and follow students from middle school through their first year of college. Pathways Academic Campus is another highlight which Muller and staff are very proud to see grow and lower dropout rates. The program provides an alternative and supportive program for students who have dropped out of school and wish to return, those who are significantly behind in credits, young mothers or those struggling with the comprehensive high school setting.

In addition to his top priority of student achievement, Muller is directly involved in the management of the district’s financial resources. Through careful forecasting and working with staff to reduce the budget, the district created a $3.6 million reduction in this year’s budget.

Muller is a strong communicator and very active in the community. Whether it is covering fiscal challenges and legislative changes to the board and staff or explaining the new STAAR exam to parents, he is focused on providing proactive, timely and transparent information to all stakeholders. His management style is collaborative--always seeking input from area experts, district and campus improvement committees, parents, staff and the community. He serves on the boards of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and KISD Education Foundation. He is a member of many groups, including the City of Killeen Downtown Partnership Committee, Impacted Schools Association, Association of the United States Army, and Killeen-Heights Rotary Club.

"It's a great day for the Killeen Independent School District. Dr. Robert Muller is a man of great character and integrity. He is a wonderful leader, caring individual and one of the finest people I've ever known. This is a well-deserved honor and we couldn't be more pleased with his selection,” KISD Board President Shelley Wells said.

During his 25 years in education, Muller has served as a teacher, coach, principal, deputy superintendent, superintendent and as associate commissioner and chief of staff with the Texas Education Agency. Muller received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. He received his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

Muller and his wife Donna have three daughters. Two are attending college at Texas A&M University and Temple College and the youngest attends Harker Heights High School.

Muller will be the Region 12 nominee for the 2012 Superintendent of the Year award, presented by the Texas Association of School Boards. The state winner will be announced September 28 at the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)/Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Convention in Austin.

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About SOTY
Each year, candidates are chosen for strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the quality of education in their school districts, commitment to public support and involvement in education, and the ability to build good employee relations among teachers and staff members. Candidates are nominated by their respective school board; however, respective school board members are not allowed to be on the panel of judges. A panel consisting of regional school board members selects the winner on the basis of his/her responses to a series of essay questions and on his/her personal interview with the panel.

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful. Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville and Teague, ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills and Navarro Counties.