AUSTIN -- Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. 

One of the finalists is Region 12’s Robin Battershell from Temple ISD. At the helm of Temple ISD for eight years, Battershell has 18 years of experience in education administration. 

Noted by the committee was her outreach to business partners to discover what specific job skills were needed and implementing programs to address those needs. Also cited was a strong emphasis on measurement to help achieve district goals. 

Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. 

Superintendents from any of Texas local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee.

The 2016 Superintendent of the Year will be announced September 23 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston. The winning superintendents and state finalists will receive an award from Balfour, program underwriter.