GISD board accepts superintendent resignation

GISD board accepts superintendent resignation News Staff Tue, 05/28/2024 - 7:50 pm

• (THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Graham ISD Superintendent Sonny Cruse, shown at a Wednesday, May 15 meeting, submitted his letter of resignation to the board which was accepted Tuesday, May 28.

Leader Staff Report editor@grahamleader.com

The Graham ISD Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Superintendent Sonny Cruse during a special-called meeting Tuesday.

Cruse’s resignation will be effective at the end of December.

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to step down from my role to pursue other opportunities,” Cruse said in his resignation letter.

Cruse left his position as deputy superintendent at Huntsville ISD and was named the lone finalist for the GISD superintendent position in July 2015.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of Graham ISD. Over the past nine years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated educators, staff members, parents and students who are committed to the success and well-being of our school community,” Cruse said. “Together, we have accomplished many milestones and made significant strides in advancing the educational goals and objectives of the district.”

Under Cruse’s years of leadership, he guided the district through the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing creative safety measures, such as WiFi stations, online schooling and a drive-thru meal program. The reverse parade, which was implemented during the pandemic as a way to honor the graduating class, is a tradition the district has continued.

The high school’s successful soccer program was also added under Cruse, as a way to provide additional participation opportunities to students and families. Since the program began in 2018, it has increased in popularity, with more successes coming with each season.

Cruse has also been an advocate for increasing the pay of district employees. In the 2016-2017 school year, the starting teacher salary was $34,000 and is now up to $43,000 for the 2023-2024 school year. Since 2006, the district has off-and-on offered one-time bonuses and, since 2015, has paid over $1.6 million in bonuses to all staff.

“I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure. However, I believe that now is the right time for me to transition to new challenges and opportunities,” he said.

Cruse has also been an advocate for Graham Area United Way which raises funds to benefit local Young County agencies. He said the goal of the organization is making a better future for tomorrow.

“We’re paying it forward. We’re doing something today to help people better tomorrow,” he said in September 2023. “There is no more honorable work we could be doing.”

Andrea Lowery, who served on the board when Cruse was hired and stepped down in May after 10 years, said that in his initial interview, he was very focused on creating a more inclusive environment and opportunities for more families to participate.

“Out of all of the finalists, we selected Sonny because of the ideas he brought to create opportunities for more families to participate in extracurriculars and parent programs,” she said. “He lived and breathed Graham ISD and was very passionate about Graham. He was all about bettering the relationship between the community and the district.”

In his resignation letter, Cruse thanked the board, as well as the community for their support of the district.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the board of trustees for their support throughout my time as superintendent. I also want to extend my appreciation to the entire Graham ISD community for their dedication and commitment to excellence in education for their children,” he stated. “...I am confident that with the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, Graham ISD will continue to thrive and excel in the years to come.”

The superintendent committed to working to ensure a “smooth transition” with the onboarding of his successor.

“Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Graham ISD,” he said. “It has been a privilege to be a part of this remarkable community, and I will always cherish the memories and relationships formed during my time here.”

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