TYLER (KYTX) - Tyler ISD is losing an important member of its team. Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid announced he is leaving the district for a superintendent position at Keller ISD. That's a suburb of Dallas.
"We have family in the Dallas area, the Dallas/Fort Worth area. And, this is an opportunity to be closer to that family and also an opportunity for me to lead a larger district." said Dr. Reid.
Keller ISD has 39 campuses serving more than 33,000 students.
Dr. Reid says it's about the same size as Richardson ISD, where he spent the first 24 years of his career.
"We've really been, over the last few years, able to develop a high-quality staff and it's one of the reasons that I'm comfortable leaving at this time."
The decision came as a shock to school board member Brad Spradlin.
"It's sad to hear that Dr. Reid will be going. He's done an outstanding job that during his time, his tenure here with TISD, the academic performance increased significantly, and I would want to thank him for his work." said Spradlin.
Over the past five years, the district has seen an increase in students excelling in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test, including a 15% increase in students meeting the standard in science.
Diane Hammett's son graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.
She says she hopes for even better things to come at Tyler ISD.
"I do hope that there will be changes and positive things for the Tyler schools." she said.
Dr. Reid says he's enjoyed his time in Tyler and there's a lot he's going to miss.
"Obviously the beauty of the area and the quality of the people who we've met here in Tyler. Our staff at TISD has just been fabulous and they're hard working people. And, you make a lot of friends over five years. It's going to be difficult to leave those."
By state law, the Keller ISD Board of Trustees will have to wait 21 days before finalizing its decision for Dr. Reid to serve as superintendent.
Those with Tyler ISD say they are committed to finding another strong, academic leader as quickly as possible.
