AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin ISD school board voted to appoint Matias Segura as the new interim superintendent for the school district.
The vote was unanimous and came late Thursday night followed by applause from the board and meeting attendees.
"It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this district. What grounds me most is that I saw my mom do it for 42 years. I just want to be the best version of myself to support educators like her," Segura said.
He also talked about his own time as a student in AISD, his daughters being students within the district and his mother's time as a teacher within the district.
The school board selected the district's current chief of operations to take over the position after former interim superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays left to accept a superintendent position for a school district near Houston.
"I wanted someone who would be different from our previous administration because the one thing that's most important to me is that we build trust back with our community, because we have lost it," AISD District 1 Board Member Candace Hunter said at the meeting. "I can say this with confidence in our selection: He loves AISD."
Other council members echoed Hunter's sentiments with confidence that Segura could help regain the trust of local families.
According to the district's website, Segura oversaw construction management, planning and asset management, facilities maintenance, transportation and fleet management, food service and warehouse operations. Before that, he was the operations officer for the district.
Segura will be taking over as the interim chief for the next several months as the board continues its search for a permanent superintendent.
On Friday, Segura sent his first message to the AISD community. Read it in full below:
"Dear Austin ISD Community,
With every leadership position I’ve taken on, there’s one thing that’s been consistent. No matter how hard I’ve worked or what challenge I have overcome, new responsibilities always seem to come with feelings of disbelief. Sitting here writing as your next interim superintendent, I must admit, this time is no different. And although it’s a little overwhelming and, dare I say, daunting, it’s also a tremendous honor, and privilege to serve the school district I love so dearly.
You see, I was born and raised here. I attended and graduated from Austin ISD schools. I also understand how much care and support our teachers, staff and principals need during this period of transition, not only because of my leadership role in Operations but more importantly because I am an Austin ISD dad, and also because I am the son of an educator that gave her 42-year teaching career to Austin ISD. I am prepared to serve our students in the best way possible because Austin ISD is home.
I recognize that change always brings some uncertainty. Yet, what I’ve seen is that in spite of all the leadership transitions, our teachers, leaders, and staff have remained focused on our mission; preparing every student with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career, and life.
So, while I understand the need for stability, I also recognize that our challenges don’t just go on hold while we search for a permanent superintendent. And that’s where my nervousness turns to excitement.
If you know me, you know that I am all in for Austin ISD. I find solutions that work, not because I know what’s best, but because I create space for the folks who really understand what’s going on. I listen and I build equitable systems and realign resources to support them. My commitment to you is to provide the support to our teachers and staff so that your children can be successful.
Austin ISD is well positioned as we move into 2023. The passage of the 2022 Bond makes it possible to create beautiful new environments in which our students and staff can thrive. Students are growing and learning and I am confident that they will continue to experience academic success. We remain hopeful about the upcoming legislative session.
There’s a lot on the horizon. I am excited to get started. But first, I’d like to wish everyone a wonderful Winter Break. I hope you enjoy the time with your children. When we return, expect to hear from me regularly with updates on what I’m working on and where I can be found. I pride myself on being approachable and look forward to creating opportunities to connect as we move forward.
Enthusiastically,
Matias Segura PE, MBA
Interim Superintendent of Schools"