Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steven Snell Clinches Regional Award
Austin, TX –
The day has come when local service and dedication get their due recognition. In a significant announcement on July 1, Steven Snell, Superintendent of Liberty Hill Independent School District (ISD), has been named the ‘Region 13’ nominee for the ‘2024 Superintendent of the Year’ award by the prestigious Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The honour considers the visionary leadership of superintendents across the state in aspects of student performance and community involvement in education.
TASB Superintendent of the Year Program
Every calendar year, the TASB Program singles out an outstanding superintendent from a vast pool of valuable contributors who’ve demonstrated exceptional organizational management and undertaken transformative initiatives in their school districts. This year, with the backing of an April nomination from the LHISD board of trustees, Steven Snell has emerged as the preferred candidate from Region 13. He will now rub shoulders with 19 other superintendent nominees during an interview round scheduled for August.
This crucial round will ultimately trim down the list to five state finalists, to be disclosed at a convention organized by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators in San Antonio from Sept. 27-29. The winner will take home a cash prize of $5,000 and a ceremonious ring. The remaining four contenders will receive $1,000 each, as per TASB’s website. A key requisite to contest for the award is a demonstrated commitment to public interest and engagement in education, a criterion checked by Snell through his work.
Recognizing Snell’s Work
In his capacity as superintendent, Steven Snell has been instrumental in effectively managing a remarkable surge in school enrolment. Over the past five years, under his leadership, the Liberty Hill ISD has witnessed a 125% surge in student enrolment, growing from 4,000 to over 9,000 students. His tenure also saw the district passing two bond packages worth $962 million, facilitating the development of several new campuses.
A dynamic leader, Snell has been at the forefront of strategizing and implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing teacher retention, along with recruiting skilled educators. He efficiently arranged a school safety summit and advocated for an expansion of the district’s police department before the passing of House Bill 3. His contribution to the ‘Texas Superintendency Certification Institute’ has seen Snell carve the coursework and teach classes, alongside other commitments like presenting at educational conferences and mentoring regional superintendents.
Community Reactions
Reacting to the news, Rich Elsasser, executive director for Education Service Center Region 13, lauded Snell’s leadership. He credited him for fostering a positive school culture, actively engaging with the community, and promoting public education. Elsasser praised the superintendent’s innovative approach to handling rapid growth, revealing his elation at the fact that Snell represented Liberty Hill ISD for the 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year.
No doubt, Steven Snell’s achievement is a testament to his relentless dedication and tireless efforts towards improving the quality of education in Liberty Hill ISD. This nomination serves as a timely recognition of his visionary leadership, bringing laud and honor not just to him but to the entire community he so ardently serves.
