AISD’s management structure is continuing its overhaul with the announcement of three hires to Superintendent Meria Carstarphen‘s new look cabinet (pending board approval on Aug. 3).
First up, a familiar name, as Associate Superintendent of Middle Schools Paul Cruz fills the new post of Chief Schools Officer. That’s an appointment that gets a big thumb’s up from Education Austin President Louis Malfaro. He said, “I went to UT with Paul, I’ve known him for a long time, and I think he has the potential to be a good chief schools officer.” Since this is a job that requires knowing AISD at a campus-by-campus level, he added, “I’m glad that position has gone to someone within the district.”
One of Cruz’s big reports is also finalized: Interim Associate Superintendent for Austin’s North Elementary Schools Maria Montoya-Hohenstein gets a promotion (and a shorter title) as she becomes the new Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools.
The big new name is the permanent replacement for former Chief Financial Officer Larry Throm. Nicole Conley-Abram will be moving here from her current position as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Atlanta Public Schools, replacing interim CFO Steve West. AISD watchers may note that, like Carstarphen, she’s a veteran of the District of Columbia Public Schools: Plus, Carstarphen has made no secret of her admiration for Atlanta’s Superintendent Beverly Hall, so scouting her staff for talent seems sensible.
This article appears in July 24 • 2009.
