Superintendent Bret Champion will leave Leander ISD to take the top position in Klein ISD.

“It was a hard decision to make,” Champion said in an email to the Raider Rumbler. “Leaving is certainly bittersweet. I’m sad to say goodbye to so many kind, good folks, but I’m excited for this next challenge. I do know that Leander ISD is in great hands. The teachers, principals, staff, Board, parents and students are awesome, and none of that is going away. I will always love Leander ISD.”

Champion has been named Klein ISD’s lone finalist for their superintendent of schools.  Klein ISD is a fast-growth community in northwest Harris County with 50,000 students, and Champion will start there as superintendent in July.

In an open letter to the LISD community, Champion noted that with both his children in college, this was an opportunity for his wife and himself to “start a new adventure.” On May 5, the LISD Board of Trustees voted to interview the search firms Thomas & Horton and Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates.

“As we move forward in our search for a new superintendent, I am confident that our teachers, principals, district administrators and Board of Trustees will continue to drive our district forward,” board president Will Streit said. “We are in the first phase of our search and we are committed to ensuring transparency. We welcome feedback every step of the way.”

The Board is expected to meet again in the next few weeks to interview and select the search firm. To check on the progress, updates will be posted at the LISD Superintendent Search webpage.

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted to appoint Karie Lynn McSpadden  as interim superintendent of schools at the May 12 Board meeting. McSpadden will work alongside Champion as he transitions to his new post later this summer. McSpadden currently serves as the LISD assistant superintendent for human resources and has been with the district since November 2006.

The Board previously announced the superintendent selection process will not allow for the interim superintendent to be considered a candidate for the superintendent position. This clarification is designed to make it clear that it is an open process for any candidate inside or outside the district who is not serving as the LISD interim superintendent.

Champion was LISD’s superintendent since February of 2008. He’s a former LISD teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.

“When I think about Leander ISD in one word, the word is awesome,” Champion said. “I can’t imagine growing up professionally anywhere better.  And while I love the work, it’s certainly the people I will miss the most. So many great folks.”