LONGVIEW, Texas — On Tuesday, Longview ISD named the lone finalist for its superintendent position.
During a special board meeting, trustees approved Dr. Marla Sheppard as the top candidate for the role. Sheppard was most recently the Deputy Chief of Academic Achievement for KIPP Texas.
This comes after Longview ISD Superintendent James Wilcox announced his plans to retire in 2023. Wilcox has been superintendent since 2007.
"I am honored to be chosen to serve the Longview community. I am grateful to the board for their trust in me and I look forward to creating long lasting relationships with the students, staff and greater community," Sheppard said.
Officials said she would be the first Black woman serving as superintendent for Longview ISD and the second woman to lead the district.
Before assuming her current position, Sheppard served as the deputy superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools in Kansas City, Missouri. Sheppard also held leadership positions at Houston ISD and was the assistant superintendent of school leadership at Fort Bend ISD.
“She is extremely competitive, which I love. There is a sense of urgency about her. When you meet her, you will pick up on those two traits. She doesn’t like to lose, and I don’t think she loses at all. She is a winner by heart, she has won everywhere she’s went in her districts, and I think she will continue to win here,” Longview ISD Board President Michael Tubb said. “A lot of good positive growth from her leadership and we’re looking for her to bringing that leadership to Longview Independent School District.”
Trustees will have to wait 21 days before voting to name Sheppard superintendent as per state guidelines.