Del Valle ISD names acting superintendent. Who is Jonathan Harris?

The Del Valle school board on Monday named Jonathan Harris as the district's acting chief administrator after Superintendent Annette Tielle announced in February she'd retire later this year.

Harris is the district's chief compliance, governmental and community relations officer and executive director of curriculum and instruction.

As interim superintendent, Harris will take the helm of the 11,000-student district as it rolls out its $300 million bond to build a second high school and new career and technical programs.

"I am humbled and honored by this appointment by the Board to serve as an Acting Superintendent of a District with incredible students, a committed and exemplary staff and a community of families advocating for what is best for their children," Harris said. "My unwavering commitment is to continue to validate, support and unite the recognized efforts of all stakeholders through the hiring of the new superintendent."

Officials are in the process of selecting a firm to launch a search for a permanent superintendent, according to the district. Staff members plan to provide more information about the search's timeline once the board picks a firm, according to the district.

Harris has worked for the Del Valle district since 2012. Before then, he was a high school principal and science teacher.

Tielle announced in February she'd be retiring in December to spend more time with family. Tielle has served as the district's superintendent since 2020 and has worked in education for 32 years.

In her February announcement, Tielle said she'd stay with the district through December to ease the transition process. During Monday's meeting, the school board named Tielle superintendent emeritus.