Waco ISD names Dr. Tiffany Spicer lone finalist for superintendent

The Waco Independent School Board unanimously named Dr. Tiffany Spicer its lone finalist for superintendent at a regular meeting where trustees reviewed the results of a district search. Trustee Ochoa moved "A move that we name doctor Tiffany Spicer, the lone finalist for Waco ISD superintendent," and the motion passed unanimously after a roll-call 'aye' was recorded.

The board chair described the search process, saying the district "engaged TASB" and that "we had 51 applicants," which the board narrowed first to six and then to four finalists before selecting Spicer. The chair emphasized the board's role in setting policy and approving budgets and personnel while noting day-to-day management remains the superintendent's responsibility.

After the vote, Trustee Ochoa praised the finalist, saying, "I think we all agree doctor Spicer is an extremely knowledgeable and results driven superintendent. She supports teachers and puts what's best for students at the heart of all our decisions." Ochoa also anticipated public questions about hiring someone from a smaller East Texas district and urged trustees and staff to respond calmly. He thanked district staff and search supporters by name: Elizabeth Cox, Renee Charles, Dr. George Kazanis, Dr. Marion Strauss and Dr. Robert Duran of TASB, and he acknowledged Dr. Kincannon for "the last 5 years" of leadership that helped attract a strong applicant pool.

The board then moved into closed session pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act; the chair said no action would be taken upon reconvening and the meeting adjourned later that evening.

Next steps: the board formally named Spicer the lone finalist; state law sets a statutory waiting period before a district may proceed with contract negotiations or final appointment for a lone finalist, and the board did not take further action at this meeting.