Recognizing visionary leadership within its ranks, the Board of Trustees selected Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum Chrysta Carlin as the assistant superintendent of pathways and innovation. 

In her new position, Carlin is charged with helping create a vision to design a plan for students’ post-secondary success.

“There has been much excitement and anticipation generated with Chrysta Carlin taking the helm of our newly renamed Pathways and Innovation Department,” Chief Academic Officer Matt Bentz, Ed.D. said. “With her leadership experience at the district and campus levels, her passion for deeper learning and equity, and her ability to think outside the box, I think LISD is poised to set a new standard in Central Texas and beyond for student learning experiences and opportunities.”

In her previous role with the district, Carlin collaborated with the College and Career Pathways team to review course proposals and the effectiveness of middle and high school programs on college readiness. 

Prior to joining LISD, Carlin served as a principal in Comal ISD. Her experience as Manor ISD’s 21st Century Academic Coordinator brought innovation to the district’s forefront as she developed digitally interactive classroom environments. She began her career in education as a science teacher at Stony Point High School in Round Rock ISD.

“I would like to thank the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Bruce Gearing for this opportunity,” Carlin said. “I look forward to collaborating with them and our campuses as we create opportunities and ideal experiences for each and every student, PreK through 12th grade in Leander ISD.”

Carlin attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her bachelor of science in biology. She earned her masters in education at Texas State University. Currently, Carlin is pursuing a doctorate of education from Texas Tech University. 

As a part of the district reorganization earlier this year, Gearing adjusted the executive director of college and career pathways for this new position. The Pathways and Innovation department includes the following areas: advanced programs:

  • Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID),
  • alternative learning/New Hope,
  • bilingual services,
  • Career Technical Education (CTE), 
  • counseling services,
  • English as a Second Language (ESL),
  • gifted and advanced programs, and
  • world languages.