The Marfa ISD Board of Trustees named Stephen McCanless as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools this past Saturday, following a comprehensive search process that included community input.
To help guide the selection, the Board conducted a districtwide survey inviting staff, families, and community members to share the leadership qualities and experiences they believe are important in the next superintendent. More than 50 individuals participated in the survey.
Stakeholders expressed a desire for a transparent leader who communicates openly, makes sound decisions, and is committed to the long-term success of Marfa ISD. They also emphasized priorities including academic excellence, enrollment growth, staff support, student discipline, and financial stewardship.
After carefully considering the feedback and conducting multiple rounds of interviews, the Board believes Mr. McCanless reflects the leadership qualities the MISD community identified as most important, including a commitment to high academic expectations and continuous improvement in student outcomes.
Stephen McCanless brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, with a strong focus on improving instruction and learning for all students.
Most recently, McCanless served as superintendent of Cleveland ISD in the Houston area, a fast-growing district where enrollment increased by 1,000 to 2,000 students each year. During his tenure, he oversaw the completion of a major bond program that included the opening of three new campuses, a new administration complex and a new South District Service Center.
To meet the needs of students and staff, McCanless was instrumental in creating a successful Apprentice Teacher Program to recruit future educators and help address the teacher shortage. Throughout Region 4, he is well known for his commitment to campus and district safety and for taking a proactive approach to protecting every student and staff member.
His work in Cleveland ISD also led to statewide leadership opportunities. McCanless currently serves in the Texas Education Agency's conservator and monitor pool, is a member of the Region 16 TCSS Advisory Panel, serves on the Region 4 Education Service Center Board of Directors, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Resilience Leadership Academy in Conroe.
McCanless' dedication to students and educators is evident through his continued support of public education and his commitment to creating engaging, successful learning environments. He believes, "Every student can learn, it is our responsibility as educators to provide them with that path and support them in those endeavors."
McCanless and his wife, Phyllis, a retired EC-4 teacher, have been married for 29 years. They have four children, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter on the way.
A graduate of Channelview ISD east of Houston, McCanless grew up in a family of 10 children. He credits his parents with instilling in him the importance of building relationships and caring for every person he encounters. "Every day, everything, every decision, only through him, our Savior," says McCanless.
"The excitement I have about joining Marfa ISD and becoming a Shorthorn is a true blessing," stated McCanless. "To not only be in a part of Texas I have loved for most of my life, but to now be a part of the best little district in Texas with the most amazing students, staff and parents motivates me to give Marfa ISD my best! Shorthorns, fasten your seatbelts, it's about to get exciting," said McCanless.
Board President Philip Boyd praised the thoughtful work of the trustees throughout the process.
“I am incredibly proud of the diligence and commitment shown by our Board throughout this process,” said President Boyd. “We worked together to ensure the voices of our staff and community were heard, and I want to thank my fellow trustees for their thoughtful approach to selecting the next leader of MISD. We are excited about the future and confident that Stephen McCanless has the leadership and vision to help move our district forward.”
The Board believes this leadership transition provides an opportunity to continue strengthening relationships while maintaining a clear focus on academic excellence and ensuring every Marfa ISD student is prepared for success.
State law requires a 21-day waiting period before the Board can take final action to approve the superintendent’s contract.