(WACO, Texas) –– Aquilla ISD Superintendent Dr. David Edison has been named the 2020 Region 12 Superintendent of theYear and regional nominee for the Texas State Superintendent of the Year. Edison has served as superintendent of Aquilla ISD since 2010 and as an educator for 20 years. Previous positions include principal, assistant principal, administrative intern/teacher, and teacher/coach.
“We are delighted to recognize Dr. Edison as one of the top superintendents in the state of Texas,” Executive Director of ESC Region 12 Dr. Jerry Maze said. “He was chosen by a committee of school board members from around our region for his skilled leadership and unwavering commitment to his students, staff, and community. We are proud to have him represent our region at the state level.”
During his time serving as superintendent at Aquilla ISD, Edison led the district in a successful bond election. Edison also completed a 3-phase building project, which included a new gymnasium, building and safety renovations, and an Agricultural Complex.
“[Edison] has demonstrated that he is a man of high integrity. He always puts the best interest of students in all he does and implements. We have seen many superintendents pass through Aquilla ISD’s halls, but never one as dedicated to his school district as Dr. Edison,” David Snipes, President of the Aquilla ISD Board of Trustees, said. Snipes spoke highly of Edison’s leadership in school board relations, school improvement, fiscal management, and community relations. “I would like to say that Aquilla ISD is more than blessed to have Dr. Edison as a superintendent.”
“For the past ten years, Aquilla ISD, under the leadership of Dr. Edison, is a school district being led from good to great,” Snipes said. “This is due in part to his love, care, and concern for all his students, teachers and community, and his earnest desire to make sure that “every horse jumps and there is no chipped paint” at Aquilla ISD. A hearty congratulations to Dr. Edison on this well-deserved honor!”
The board and staff recognize Edison for his excellent communication skills and strong relationships with the Aquilla ISD school board, teachers, and Aquilla community. Snipes noted that Edison “was instrumental through his leadership to seeing us receive Region 12 School Board of the Year in 2016." Edison focuses on being a lifelong learner, spending countless hours staying updated on new state testing and legislative issues. He ensures that teachers have access to educational resources and shares his knowledge to keep teachers informed.
Edison is also known for his successful management of district finances.
“Under Dr. Edison’s supervision, Aquila ISD has achieved maximum results through conservative expenditures that do not compromise quality educational services,” Snipes said. Edison implements budget planning workshops for his board members to keep them informed. During construction and renovations, he ensured they got the highest quality work for the most reasonable price. Edison regularly attends financial meetings at ESC Region 12 and in Austin. This year, he also had the opportunity to address Texas state senators on school finance.
Edison's commitment to the community is evident. His attendance at many community events like the annual fire department fish fry, the town Christmas parade, and city council meetings are recognized and appreciated. Edison shows his commitment by attending school-related events like sports, academics, and theatre. Edison’s presence at so many events has gained him acceptance in the eyes of the community and, in turn, has gained community support for the school.
Edison holds both a Bachelor’s and a Masters of Science in Education degree from Baylor University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Tarleton State University. Edison is always ready to serve, having served as the Chair of the Region 12 Superintendents’ Forum and Superintendents’ Leadership Academy, a program that combines mentoring, dialogue, technology, field-based experience to meet the needs of both beginning and experienced superintendents. Edison has served on the committee for the Texas Association of School Boards Small School District Seminary and serves as Secretary of the Hill County Special Education Co-op. Edison was also a Region 12 Superintendent of the Year nominee in 2015.
This is the second regional award for the district this year as Garla Montez was named the Region 12 Elementary Counselor of the Year back in February.
About SOTY
The Superintendent of the Year program has recognized superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Regional winners are chosen for strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. The regional awardees will interview with a state selection committee Aug. 23-24; five state finalists will then be selected. The Texas Superintendent of the Year will be announced Sept. 21 at the 2019 Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB Convention in Dallas.
About ESC Region 12
Education Service Center Region 12 focuses on helping schools save money and leverage resources into the classroom. One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, ESC Region 12 offers training and expert assistance to educators and school personnel in order to increase student achievement. ESC Region 12 offers effective, economical programs and services through professional development, expert assistance, direct services and alternative educator certification.
Based in Waco, ESC Region 12 serves 76 school districts, 10 charters and private/parochial schools in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills and Navarro counties. Everything the center offers focuses on helping educators be successful and helping schools save money and leverage resources—driving more money to students in the classroom—where it matters most.