The Early ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to hire Larry Taylor of San Angelo as interim superintendent this week, and Taylor said that he is looking forward to working with the board and administration to help find a new permanent superintendent for the district.

Taylor retired from being a superintendent in 2002 and began working at the Region 15 Service Center, which provides educational resources and training for 42 school districts in 18 counties.  He retired from working full time in this position in 2011 and began working part time with the Region 15 Service Center.  He currently serves as its Director of Administrative Services.  He has additionally served as interim superintendent for districts such as Veribest, Reagan County, and Crockett County schools.

According to Board President Shawn Russell, Taylor will begin working with Superintendent Brent Koch in January to begin the transition as Koch leaves the district on January 31, 2014.  Taylor will take over the position on February 1, 2014, Russell explained.

Russell stated that the transition of superintendents has been a tough subject, but that she feels that this will be a good move for the district and the students of EISD.

“This is tough.  In the 14 years that I have served on the board, I have made it a point to vote and talk about what is best for the kids in the district,” said Russell.

Taylor stated that he is looking forward to his new role with Early ISD.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board, staff and administration to do the best we can for Early ISD,” he said.

He explained that he will be involved in the coming months to help choose the candidate who will replace Koch.

“The goal is to hopefully have the district continue to operate effectively for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, lay the groundwork for 2014-2015 and begin the search for the new superintendent which I will administer,” said Taylor.

Russell stated EISD had 4 applicants for the interim position and that Taylor was selected based on his “vast knowledge of school business, finance and academic instruction.”