The Academy ISD Board of Trustees has announced Mrs. Darla Nolen as the lone finalist for the district's Superintendent of Schools.
The decision was made during the board's regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Nolen, the current Assistant Superintendent with 29 years in education, will succeed the retiring Superintendent Billy Harlan.
Harlan, who has been in the role since July 2019, will retire at the end of December 2023 after a 28-year career in Texas public schools. The board will formally hire Nolen following a state-required 21-day waiting period, with her new role starting on January 1.
Nolen will be the ninth Superintendent of Schools for the district and its first female leader in this role.
"I am honored and excited to serve as superintendent," Nolen said. "I look forward to collaborating with the board, administrators, and teachers to continue our commitment to academic excellence and student success."
Nolen's educational background includes a Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas at Tyler, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English from Sam Houston State University. She also holds a Paralegal Certification from Southwestern Paralegal Institute.
Academy ISD Board President Dr. Calvin Eshbaugh expressed the board's confidence in Nolen during the meeting.
"Our goal as a Board of Trustees was to make sure Academy ISD hired the best candidate for our next Superintendent, and with Mrs. Nolen’s proven track record of monitoring and improving educational achievement, thoughtful decision-making, finance experience, and excellent communication skills, we are confident she is the right candidate to uphold our mission, vision, and core beliefs as we strive to be a district of excellence in Central Texas," Eshbaugh said.