One finalist named for superintendent

HARLINGEN - Harlingen school trustees have selected Steve Flores, chief of staff for the Dallas Independent School District, as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent.

The Board of Trustees quickly and unanimously voted Thursday in favor of naming Flores as the only finalist for the position being vacated by Superintendent Linda Wade.

Wade will retire June 30 after 21 years with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Flores is expected to take over for Wade on July 1, officials said.

State law requires a 21-day waiting period for contract negotiations before Flores' contract is finalized, Wade said Thursday.

School Board Trustee Lyle Garza said the HCISD board has not negotiated a salary with Flores, but that the salary would be commensurate to Flores' experience.

Wade's ending salary is $160,000 per year plus retirement benefits and allowances.

Board President George McShan said Thursday that more than 46 qualified professionals applied for the superintendent position, but only six were selected for final interviews.

Flores is someone who will bring balance to the school district and put children first, McShan said.

Flores, 43, said Thursday in a telephone interview that he is excited and humbled about the opportunity to work for HCISD, which he said is a well-recognized district throughout the state.

"The school board is focused on student achievement and the community is supportive of the schools," Flores said. "The staff I understand to be outstanding."

Flores said he has been working in the field of education for 25 years.

Flores, originally from San Angelo, has worked as a high school principal and junior high school principal for San Angelo ISD, assistant superintendent of Pflugerville ISD and Round Rock ISD, Area VI Superintendent for Dallas ISD and acting general superintendent for Round Rock ISD.

He received his masters of education in school administration from San Angelo State University in 1992 and his doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001.

Flores said he is a "very collaborative leader" and looks forward to working with the school district and staff to set future goals.

Garza said that although it is sad to see Wade go, he looks forward to having Flores at the HCISD.

"He's done great things in Dallas and I think he'll take (HCISD) to the next level," Garza said. "During the interview process (Flores) came across as very professional, a well prepared individual and innovative in his ideas and with the programs he's implemented in the past."

"I think parents, educators and the community alike will be amazed," Garza said.