Following the announcement of Dr. Kimberly Cantu’s retirement, Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees began searching for a new superintendent. At the called board meeting Jan. 31, the trustees named Dr. Tiffanie Spencer the lone finalist for the position.
“I don’t know what her vision necessarily is at this time, so I don’t know how she’ll make changes,” Academic Associate Principal Stephanie Monajami said. “The only difference I would see for us, specifically, is kind of on a funny note because Dr. Cantu’s a mom, so we see her all the time on campus. We’ll get to see [Dr. Cantu] in a different light, still coming to all of Harper’s events.”
Mansfield ISD Board President Benita Reed worked alongside her fellow trustees and with JG Consulting to select a candidate for superintendent.
“All of the candidates were excellent,” Dr. Reed said in a statement during the board meeting. “This was a difficult decision for us to make, but we wholeheartedly believe that we are going to work together as a community, as a district. We are going to be better because we are committed to the kids and we want what’s best for them.”
Dr. Spencer will be sworn in to her position after the state-mandated 21-day waiting period. This process ensures transparency and accountability for the election of the new superintendent.
“Throughout this process, Dr. Spencer consistently demonstrated a clear vision for student success, a deep respect for educators and a strong alignment with the values of the Mansfield ISD community,” Dr. Reed said in a statement from Mansfield ISD. “We are confident that her leadership will help advance our district’s mission and ensure continued excellence for our students and families.”
Dr. Spencer attended Glenn Harmon Elementary School, Mary Orr Intermediate School, Worley Middle School and Mansfield High School for her own education and worked for MISD at several campuses, including her positions as Assistant Principal at Elizabeth Smith Elementary School, Associate Principal at Glenn Harmon and Principal at Erma Nash Elementary School before moving to her current position as area superintendent.
“I am truly honored and excited to be named the lone finalist for Superintendent of Mansfield ISD,” Dr. Spencer said in a statement from Mansfield ISD. “I look forward to partnering with the board, staff, families and community members to build upon that foundation and ensure every student is prepared for success now and in the future.”
The board voted 5-2 to name Dr. Spencer, with five trustees voting in favor and two abstaining.
“A lot of new leaders will come in, and there is a waiting period while they observe and get an idea of how things are going,” Ms. Monajami said, “but since Dr. Spencer’s already in the district, we may not have something like that. It is kind of a trickle-down on things like that. You have to remember that they’re in charge of the entire district, and we are one of 74 campuses.”
