Carstarphen new AISD superintendent

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Independent School District named Dr. Meria Carstarphen the new superintendent of Austin Independent School District Thursday.

Pat Forgione announced his retirement almost one year ago, which is when Dr. Carstarphen was hired. Dr. Carstarphen is currently the superintendent of St. Paul, Minn. public schools. She has been in St. Paul for three years. People there say her enthusiasm helped get things done.

"I think a large part of the challenge had to do with morale," said Rene Lara who formerly worked for Minnesota Education. "Her energy lifted spirits enough that problems looked like they could be solved. Whereas before, they were too formidable."

Forgione served 10 years as superintendent of A.I.S.D. and will leave June 30, 2009.

Carstarphen earned her doctorate from Harvard and can speak Spanish. Carstarphen read a statement in Spanish at the Thursday press conference.

Each board member expressed their confidence in the candidate that took almost a year to name after outgoing superintendent Pat Forgione announced he planned to retire after 10 years.

"It should always be children first," said Board member Cheryl Bradley. "As we went into this process, I looked for just that. A candidate that raises up the bottom and pushes up the top."

When her contract is worked out, she will be the first woman and first African-American to become superintendent.

"It is a tough time across the country for urban districts," said Dr. Carstarphen. "But, it's not impossible, it can be managed, it will be hard, but we can come up with solutions that will make the system stronger."

Carstarphen also visited Zilker Elementary. She stopped to chat with students and faculty. She also sat down to have lunch in the cafeteria.

"One thing you'll learn about me is that I'm very strong at putting systems in place," said Carstarphen. "I do know and appreciate that leadership matters. It is important but that doesn't, having one strong leader does not make a great school system."

Carstarphen will spend Thursday and Friday visiting with students and teachers, but then will head back to St. Paul. Forgione released a statement welcoming the new superintendent. Below is a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Carstarphen at Zilker Elementary School:

 

 

 

 

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