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Gadsden ISD Superintendent Dempsey announces retirement effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
Superintendent Dempsey told the board he will retire on Jan. 1, 2026, citing pride in district accomplishments including increased graduation rates, expanded pre-K, technology investments, and new construction projects.
GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Superintendent Mr. Dempsey announced to the board on Oct. 16 that he will retire effective Jan. 1, 2026.
In prepared remarks read to the board, Dempsey summarized eight years of work for the district: expansion of pre-K classrooms, securing funding for a new pre-K center at Riverside Elementary, development of a K–12 dual-language track, adoption of a 1-to-1 Chromebook program, an in-house student wireless initiative, and repeated high graduation rates. He also noted financial audit successes and capital projects such as the planned reconstruction of Gadsden Middle School.
Dempsey said he was proud to leave the district “in a better place” and urged staff and community to keep focusing on students. He said Gadsden sets a standard in the state and thanked staff, students and families for their support.
The board did not take immediate action on succession planning during the meeting; the announcement creates a vacancy effective Jan. 1, 2026 and sets a timeline for the board to plan a superintendent selection process and interim arrangements.
