The Leander ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Chris Clark, Ed.D., as acting superintendent during the Dec. 11 meeting. In the role, Clark will lead day-to-day operations and maintain stability across the district during a period of transition.
Earlier this week, Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., announced his retirement. He will continue to serve the district in an advisory capacity as superintendent emeritus while the Board of Trustees advances the process to identify the next superintendent.
“We appreciate Chris Clark’s leadership and his willingness to serve during this transition,” said Board President Anna Smith. “As a respected and effective leader, he will keep our focus on students and district continuity. To preserve the integrity and fairness of the superintendent search process, the Board determined it was important to appoint an acting superintendent who does not intend to apply for the permanent role, and he has agreed he will not be a candidate.”
The Board will launch a comprehensive search for Leander ISD’s next superintendent in early 2026. The process will include opportunities for stakeholder input, with additional details to be shared as the timeline and milestones are finalized.
Until then, Clark brings deep experience to the role of acting superintendent. He joined Leander ISD in June 2023 as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and later became deputy superintendent of learning and innovation. Prior to Leander ISD, he held leadership roles in Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD and Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma. He brings 30 years of experience in public education, including nearly two decades in educational leadership.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me during this time,” Clark said. “My approach is simple: listen closely, lead with integrity and keep students at the center of every decision as we continue the work of this district. Transitions can be challenging, but they’re also moments to stay grounded in who we are. I’m committed to steady leadership, transparency and supporting the people who show up every day for our students.”
