Chief of Schools and Strategic Initiatives Sarah Grissom, Ed.D., will step into the role of Chief of Staff. Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., made the announcement Thursday. The role was vacated by Laurelyn Arterbury, Ed.D., who was hired as the Superintendent of New Braunfels ISD on May 17. She was named the lone finalist earlier this month.
“Dr. Grissom will continue to catalyze and champion Strategic Initiatives as it relates to the continued implementation of our 5-year strategic plan,” Gearing added. “I’m excited to see her journey in leadership continue in a role that supports our vision and alignment.”
As the Chief of Staff, Grissom will serve as the direct adviser and partner to Superintendent Gearing. With a focus on organization and attention to detail, she will lead logistics in operations, ensuring quality communication and continuous improvement. Furthermore, she will facilitate the leadership team, identifying opportunities for systemwide and professional growth.
In 2022, Grissom started in her current role as chief of schools and strategic initiatives. Before that, she served as area superintendent for several years. She spent seven years as the principal of Faubion Elementary School. Grissom began her career in LISD in 1998, serving as an assistant principal, a secondary math facilitator and teacher and a middle school dance director.
“I am incredibly honored to continue serving the Leander ISD students, staff, and families as Chief of Staff,” Grissom said. “I have been fortunate to call LISD home for 25 years, and I am deeply invested in building upon the successes of our district while we continually strive to unleash the potential in each and every student.”
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Grissom received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development. She later earned a master’s and doctorate degree in Educational Administration from Texas State University and Concordia University, respectively.
