The Leander ISD Board of Trustees named Bruce Gearing as the educator to lead its fast-growth district, serving over 40,100 students across 43 schools.
The 2019 Region 13 Superintendent of the Year, Gearing has served as the Dripping Springs ISD superintendent since Feb. 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw a fast-growth district, growing by approximately 50 percent, while supporting students with state and national success in academics, arts and athletics.
“It is an honor and privilege to be invited to become a member of the Leander ISD family,” Gearing said. “I am thrilled to begin working with the members of this world class team to engage and inspire students to achieve exceptional outcomes. I am looking forward to integrating into the community and leading this next chapter in the Leander ISD story.”
Additional recognitions and accomplishments by DSISD during Gearing’s tenure include:
● student achievements at the state, regional and national levels including a second place finish in the 2018-19 Lone Star Cup;
● a philosophical shift to support students as they explore their interests and passions rather than focus on standardized testing;
● a focus on the growth of all employees including an individual approach to professional development;
● numerous district recognitions for academic achievement and fiscal responsibility, including being a three-time state finalist for District of the Year in the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards program.
State law requires a 21-day waiting period following the naming of a lone finalist. The LISD Board will vote on the contract for Gearing and he will start his new role in mid-August.
“The Leander ISD Trustees are excited to have selected a candidate that will collaboratively address the needs of our growing community,” said Trish Bode, board president . “Dr. Gearing brings diverse experience and a focus on learning for each and every student. We believe he will embrace and enhance the Leander culture of engaging and inspiring students, teachers, staff, and the LISD community.”
The board voted unanimously to name Gearing as the lone finalist after a community driven process that included a survey, community focus groups and a national search.
Community members prioritized growth, retaining high quality staff, managing public funds efficiently, and improving parent engagement as its priorities for the next superintendent.
Responses also focused around having a leader with strong listening skills, a commitment to improving diversity and inclusion, and embracing the Leander Way.
“We know the best indication for a student’s success is to have a life-changing teacher in the classroom,” Gearing said. “Our team will continue the Leander ISD tradition for student success by having a highly effective teacher in every classroom and supporting every school through world-class systems of support. Through a collective effort and community partnership, we can engage students for lifelong success.”
Gearing will join Leander ISD after Dan Troxell announced his selection by the Texas Association of School Boards as deputy executive director. Troxell’s last day will be July 31.
Before moving to Dripping Springs, Gearing served as superintendent of Marshall ISD from 2009-2012, three years as an assistant superintendent at Mount Pleasant ISD, one year as a junior high principal, and four years as an elementary principal. A native of South Africa, Gearing started his career teaching science and math at the high school level, including three years at international schools. He proudly became a United States citizen in 2010.
Gearing earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M – Commerce, masters degree from Texas A&M – Texarkana, and bachelors degrees in mathematics and chemistry from the University of Witwatersrand. He and his wife, Aldine, have four children.
