By JOSH HAVARD/The Lufkin Daily News
 

Feb 13, 2019 Updated 10 hrs ago
 

After 12 years at Central ISD, Allen Garner has announced his intentions to retire as superintendent from the school effective Aug. 31.

According to a press release, the Central ISD Board of Trustees will soon begin discussions on appointing a new superintendent.

Garner has spent 28 years in public education as well as 17 years as superintendent. He started his career at Humble ISD and has since worked as an administrator at Hudson, Martinsville and Central.

In addition to his time as superintendent, he has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and high school principal.

He said he was looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

“I am really looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing new opportunities," Garner said.

Garner said he will work with the school board over the next six months in making the transition to the new superintendent a smooth one.

In the press release, Central ISD board president Tim Sprinkle commended Garner for his efforts.

“For the last 12 years, I have learned a tremendous amount about leadership, building relationships and creating a positive environment for students," Sprinkle said. "I also have a tremendous amount of respect for Allen Garner, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to a man that has served us so very well. The Board of Trustees would like to thank Dr. Allen Garner and his family and wish them nothing but the best today and always.”

In his 12-year tenure at Central ISD, Garner oversaw the passage of the school bond that built a new elementary school and helped renovate existing campuses as well as adding a track and other facilities.

According to the press release, new technology and curriculum initiatives were implemented, which improved student performance and closed achievement gaps, teacher salaries were increased and the full-time staff increment increased from $800 to $3,900. It also earned the highest financial rating of superior achievement.

According to the press release, Central ISD is recognized as a “B” rated district and one of the top 61 districts in the state for Postsecondary Readiness by the Texas Education Agency, which includes graduation rates, ACT/SAT performance, career and tech graduates, and dual-credit course completion rates. Also, Central ISD is rated as an “A-” district by Niche.com in the top 250 in Texas.

Garner commended those he worked with both in the administration as well as the staff.

“I have been blessed to work with wonderful people at Central ISD," Garner said. "Our teachers, leadership team, and school board deserve all of the credit for working together as a team for the success of our students. It has been an honor to serve with them.”

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