Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. 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.
Among the 2021 finalists is Samuel Wyatt, Rankin ISD, Region 18. Others include Courtney Hudgins, East Bernard ISD, Region 3; Mark Estrada, Lockhart ISD, Region 13; H.T. Sanchez, Plainview ISD, Region 17; and Jeanette Ball, Judson ISD, Region 20.
The state selection committee, which interviewed regional winners Aug. 27-28, targeted such issues as the board-superintendent relationship, advocacy, the impact of the pandemic on Texas schools, and education innovations.
Wyatt has 19 years of experience as an administrator and has been at the helm of Rankin ISD for four years. The committee was drawn to Wyatt’s palpable enthusiasm and genuine concern for the individual students in his district, their unique needs, and their overall well-being. In this West Texas district of around 300 students, planning starts with students, and programs are molded to fit their needs, a news release said.
This energetic superintendent lives by the dictum that actions are more powerful than words. He believes his most important work is not done behind his desk but out in the district, modeling positive values for students and staff. Known as an innovator, Wyatt has brought outside-the-box thinking to hiring and operations, and he used thoughtful investment strategies to turn around the district’s finances, the release said.
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. All Texas superintendents 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.
