The annual honor sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) is awarded to administrators for achievement and excellence in public school administration. According to TASB, these school leaders exhibit exemplary and visionary leadership toward improving student performance. They are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the quality of education in their districts, and commitment to public support and involvement in education.
Dr. Tipton was hired as LISD Superintendent in June 2020 at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic and led the district through the unprecedented health emergency. The district is also nearing the successful end of construction related to the 2019 Bond. Lumberton ISD students continue to excel in all aspects of school life including academics, athletics, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities.
In a letter to TASB, Board President James Kersh outlined several performance priorities that were communicated at the beginning of Dr. Tipton's tenure. The letter goes on to explain how those priorities were addressed and solved in short order. Among them included Covid opening plans, organizing the 2019 Bond work, safety/security improvements, and addressing the special education cooperative. Additionally, Tipton was credited with leading efforts to improve school climate, board relations, overall school improvement, campus instructional leadership, fiscal management, and public communications.
Dr. Tipton said of his nomination, "I am extremely honored by this recognition. The real credit goes to the incredible employees of Lumberton ISD who do the heaviest lifting every day. We are blessed with an amazing team and I am thrilled to learn alongside them daily. This nomination is confirmation of the work we've done in the last three years to become a premier school district with an inclusive culture for excellence in learning and leading." Tipton also added, "No organization is perfect, but we constantly strive to improve our systems and procedures to offer the best service to our kids and community."
The District submitted the nomination to the Region 5 Education Service Center which will name a Regional Superintendent of the Year in June, and a statewide winner will be announced in September.
