By Arena Blake
Director of Communications
The Sherman ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted at a special meeting on April 13 to name Dr. Tyson Bennett as the lone finalist for the next superintendent of the school district, promoting a long-time Sherman ISD parent and lifetime resident of Grayson County to the district’s top leadership position.
Dr. Bennett has served Sherman ISD for the last 16 years, most recently as the assistant superintendent for finance and operations, where he is responsible for managing the district’s $100 million budget and leading the teams responsible for finance, facilities, maintenance and operations, transportation, and food service. In previous roles within SISD, he served as assistant superintendent for academic and student services, and was responsible for improving student achievement, leading instructional programs, and managing federal grants.
The SISD Board of Trustees began its search earlier this month to replace Dr. David Hicks, who was selected by Northwest ISD as their next superintendent. Using the Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search Services, they guided their search with a community survey to evaluate internal applicants for the position. Wednesday’s announcement begins a 21-day waiting period that is required by law before they can vote to promote Dr. Bennett to superintendent.
“I believe Dr. Bennett has the leadership qualities and professional experience needed to lead Sherman ISD to the highest levels of excellence,” said Hillary Clark, president of the SISD Board of Trustees. “He has a broad base of experience and is innovative in his thinking. He has played an integral role in our successes and achievements over the course of his 16-year tenure with the district. His dedication to fostering a culture of academic, artistic and athletic excellence is unparalleled, and his expertise in leading our district as an assistant superintendent in the areas of instruction and finance make him a well-rounded and extremely qualified candidate. It is with utmost confidence that the Sherman ISD Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Bennett to become the next instructional leader in Sherman ISD.”
As a result of Dr. Bennett’s visionary leadership, direct engagement and support for district goals, Sherman ISD passed a TRE and the largest bond election in district history to build a new, state-of-the-art high school. The district decreased its tax rate while doubling its fund balance and has established a stronger financial planning process to include replacement cycles for everything from band uniforms and athletic equipment to vehicles and turf. Dr. Bennett has also been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships with the City of Sherman, community and business leaders and our community college.
Dr. Bennett said that serving as superintendent of Sherman ISD will be the highlight of his career.
“Sherman ISD is where I chose to raise my family and my roots run deep in this community,” he said. “We have come a long way during my time in the district, and I believe we are on the right path to continue to promote excellence as we move into the future. I am excited to take an even bigger role in guiding our district to be the best it can be.”
Dr. Bennett began his career as a high school teacher before joining Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Department of Secondary and Higher Education faculty. He was later promoted to Director of Field Experience and Certification and Senior Director of Educator Prep Programs. He also served as a Teacher Certification Officer.
Dr. Bennett earned his doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his master’s degree in teaching from Austin College, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Dr. Bennett lives in Grayson County with his wife, Tanna and three daughters. His daughters Terah and Tyra are Sherman High School graduates, and his daughter Trista currently attends Sherman High School.
