Marfa
On Saturday, The Marfa ISD Board of Trustees chose Stephen McCanless as the lone finalist for district superintendent following a comprehensive search process that began in April to replace Interim Superintendent Arturo Alferez, who has led the district for three years.
To help guide the selection, the board conducted a districtwide survey in May, inviting staff, families, and community members to share the leadership qualities and experiences they believed important in the next superintendent. More than 50 individuals participated in the survey, voicing a desire for a transparent leader who communicates openly, makes sound decisions and is committed to the long-term success of Marfa ISD. Academic excellence, enrollment growth, staff support, student discipline, and financial stewardship were also among the priorities expressed by the community.
With over 30 years of experience in public education, “the Board believes Mr. McCanless reflects the leadership qualities the MISD community identified as most important, including a commitment to high academic expectations and continuous improvement in student outcomes,” a statement from the School Board reads.
McCanless most recently served as superintendent of Cleveland ISD near Houston and currently serves in the Texas Education Agency’s conservator and monitor pool, is a member of the Region 16 TCSS Advisory Panel, serves on the Region 4 Education Service Center Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of Directors for Resilience Leadership Academy in Conroe. He currently holds valid TEA classroom teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.
“The excitement I have about joining Marfa ISD and becoming a Shorthorn is a true blessing,” McCanless said in the statement. “To not only be in a part of Texas I have loved for most of my life, but to now be a part of the best little district in Texas with the most amazing students, staff and parents motivates me to give Marfa ISD my best! Shorthorns, fasten your seatbelts, it’s about to get exciting.”
McCanless’ wife, Phyllis, is a retired early childhood educator. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter on the way.
Applauding the vigorous work of his fellow trustees throughout the superintendent search, Board President Philip Boyd said he is “incredibly proud of the diligence and commitment shown by our board.” He continued: “We worked together to ensure the voices of our staff and community were heard, and I want to thank my fellow trustees for their thoughtful approach to selecting the next leader of MISD. We are excited about the future and confident that Stephen McCanless has the leadership and vision to help move our district forward.”
Under Texas Education Code, a school board must publicly name the finalist for a superintendent position at least 21 days before taking final action, allowing time for background checks and public feedback. Marfa ISD hopes to formally hire McCanless in early August before the start of the new school year on August 24.
“The Board believes this leadership transition provides an opportunity to continue strengthening relationships while maintaining a clear focus on academic excellence and ensuring every Marfa ISD student is prepared for success,” the board statement concluded.
It is unclear at this time what role Alferez will occupy within the district after the transition.
