Houston Independent School District appoints interim superintendent
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Independent School District appointed an interim superintendent.
The announcement was made late Thursday night after the board voted unanimously to appoint Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan.
Lathan will assume the role on April 1 while trustees search for a permanent replacement for outgoing superintendent Richard Carranza.
Carranza is leaving to be New York City's new chancellor of schools. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the news in early March, saying he offered the job to Carranza on March 3 and he accepted it immediately the following day.
Dr. Lathan has been with HISD since 2015 and served as the chief academic officer since 2016.
Dr. Lathan issued the following message:
Dear HISD community,
I am honored and humbled to have been named interim superintendent for HISD, and I am fully prepared to lead the district in this season of transition and opportunity with your help and support.
I want to thank our Board of Education for its faith in my ability to lead HISD as we steer through some of the most challenging times we've faced as a district. I intend to work closely with our trustees, staff, schools, and you to meet our challenges head-on.
I promise to work with you while pursuing our goal of ensuring all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities. I also intend to build a climate and a culture of trust in every community, and I pledge to work with you side by side for the benefit of our great city.
As of today, I am serving as acting superintendent, and I will assume the role of interim superintendent on April 1, 2018.
I thank you for your commitment to this district and to staying engaged in your child's education. Working together, we will keep our district moving forward.
Sincerely,
Dr. Grenita Lathan
HISD Interim Superintendent
