After 30 years working for the district, Northside Independent School District Superintendent of Schools Brian Woods announced his retirement Thursday. He will step down from his position in June 2023.
Woods was appointed superintendent in July 2012, but has worked for NISD since 1992. He began his career as a social studies teacher and then became an assistant principal. He has also held roles as vice principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent.
Since 2012, when the district was considered the fourth largest in Texas, NISD has added 13 new schools and five new specialized magnet programs to keep up with its growth. During Woods’ tenure, Bexar County voters have approved three school bonds, worth more than $2.4 billion, to improve aging school facilities.
Woods was recognized in 2018 as the Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and is currently the president of the Texas School Alliance.
“I have been blessed with many amazing opportunities during my career, but none as personally and professionally rewarding as serving the Northside community as superintendent,” Woods said in the statement announcing his retirement. “This district has been my professional family for more than 30 years and I will be forever grateful to the parents, students and staff who have called Northside home.”
Woods commended the district’s board of trustees for their work as public servants.
“I am confident that their continued guidance will ensure NISD’s success for decades to come,” Woods said.
Karen Freeman, president of the board of trustees, said Woods is known for his love for children, passion for public education and commitment to his career, and that the reputation he leaves behind will help attract the most qualified candidates to replace him.
“His leadership as a superintendent in NISD and across the state will be missed.” Freeman said. “As trustees, we have an excellent working relationship with each other and a long history of making decisions in the best interest of children. I am confident that the NISD trustees will make good decisions as we go through the selection process.”
Woods’ announcement comes eight months prior to his official retirement. NISD did not immediately respond to request for information regarding recruitment for candidates for superintendent.
