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December 19, 2017
Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees Names Elijah Granger as Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – On December 18, the Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees voted to name Elijah Granger, the current interim superintendent, as the Lone Finalist for Lancaster ISD Superintendent of Schools. “I am honored to be named lone finalist for Superintendent of Lancaster ISD,” Mr. Granger said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to continue working with this outstanding school board and exceptional team of administrators, teachers and staff who are focused on student achievement and establishing Lancaster ISD as the premier district in our state.” Prior to this decision, the Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees launched a formal search for the next Lancaster ISD Superintendent of Schools and retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm that specializes in assisting School Boards through such matters, to assist in gathering feedback from the community. Through an online survey and a series of focus group interviews, the firm was able to craft the leadership profile of the ideal leader for Lancaster ISD. This step was important to the trustees as they believe in the importance of collaboration and in the value of listening to the voices of others to make informed, relevant decisions. “It is important for us to include the parents, stakeholders and the community in this process as we begin to identify and name the next member of the nationally recognized Lancaster ISD Team of Eight,” Board President Ty G. Jones said. After hearing from the community and learning the results of the profile, the trustees decided to suspend the search and name Mr. Granger—who had been serving as the district’s interim Superintendent of Schools—as the Lone Finalist. During his work as interim, Mr. Granger has remained focus on ensuring the implementation of the district’s vision with fidelity. “If we continue the good things we are doing and strive harder every day to attain excellence in every area, we ensure the success of our students, staff and the district as a whole,” he said. “I recognize the importance of people in any organization and Lancaster ISD is no different. I plan to continue with the focus we have had throughout this year while sharing my vision and goals for the future with our community, parents, staff, and students. Together, we will take Lancaster ISD to the next level academic success and accomplishments.”
He said that he plans to continue to work as a Team of Eight (with the School Board) to provide students and staff with the best environment and tools necessary to identify their goals and aspirations. “We will develop effective and efficient plans for every child to achieve their goals while also providing opportunities for students to pursue their dreams and display their talents through extracurricular activities— including strong athletic programs, state of the art fine arts, award winning JROTC programs, and many others,” Mr. Granger said. “Simply put, it means each student will have a plan for sustainable success and graduate from Lancaster ISD prepared for their future while leaving a lasting legacy.” Mr. Granger has been a part of the district in various administrative roles for the past six years. However, during the past 15 years, he has worked as a middle school science teacher, high school agricultural science teacher, assistant principal, intermediate, middle and high school principal, executive principal, executive director and assistant superintendent. Mr. Granger earned an A.A.S. degree in Computer Information Systems from Angelina College. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University, and he is currently completing his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University. As the district heads into Winter Break, Mr. Granger said he will spend time with family and friends and celebrate the reason and spirit of the holiday, but also continue to work to address any district challenges and prepare for an exciting new year in 2018. “I am proud to have the vote of confidence from the Board of Trustees and our community to continue our important work.”
The Lancaster Independent School District serves more than 7,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 11 schools. Our vision is that all students achieve self-sustaining success and leave a lasting legacy. And our mission, in collaboration with parents and communities, is to ignite learning that translates into sustainable success for all students in an ever-changing society. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
422 S. Centre Ave. ● Lancaster, TX 75146 ● (972) 218-1400
