Dr. Jamie Wilson, superintendent for Denton ISD since 2012, announced his retirement Tuesday.
The Denton ISD Board of Trustees has named Wilson the district’s superintendent emeritus until Jan. 31, 2025, to allow for a smooth leadership transition, according to a Denton ISD news release. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Susannah Holbert O’Bara was named acting superintendent, and the district is now welcoming internal applicants for the permanent position.
“Dr. Wilson’s steadfast leadership and service to our community has been invaluable,” said Barbara Burns, president of the DISD Board of Trustees. “Under his guidance, our district has kept pace with fast growth, managed closure during the pandemic and achieved positive student outcomes despite inadequate funding from our state. His advocacy for public education and his love for students are evident in all he has done.”
Wilson’s 34-year career includes 20 years with Denton ISD. He joined the district in 2005 as assistant superintendent for secondary academic programs, where he immediately focused on improving educational programs for the district’s growing student population.
Wilson led or has been part of three Capital Improvement Plans, which have helped open multiple new campuses, including three high schools, five middle schools, 17 elementary schools, three early childhood facilities and the LaGrone Academy. Much of this growth occurred outside of the Denton city limits as the district expanded educational opportunities into more of its 186-square miles, according to the district news release. Under Wilson’s leadership, the Denton ISD community has supported the replacement of aging campuses including: Newton Rayzor Elementary, Calhoun Middle, Strickland Middle and Denton High. In the next three years, both Borman Elementary and Ginnings Elementary school will be replaced due in part to Wilson’s foresight and planning.
“I am beyond grateful for the support I have received from our educators, staff and community during my time in Denton ISD,” Wilson said. “Every decision made was to improve the educational opportunities for the students of this district and I, along with our dedicated Board of Trustees, could not have done it without each and every person that plays a role in helping our young people be successful, and for that I say ‘Thank you.'”
In 2016, the National School Public Relations Association named Wilson among the “Top 25 Superintendents to Watch” for his innovative practices in the area of public engagement and outreach, according to the district. Wilson’s vision for Denton ISD reached beyond the classroom, as he worked to expand support for staff in their effort to provide excellence in classroom instruction. Under his leadership, the district expanded technology support systems, including strengthening network security and providing one-to-one instructional devices for all students.
To provide more collaborative support for the district’s families, he established the Giese Support Services Building that houses the district’s Special Education, Bilingual/ESL, Health Services and Counseling/Social Work Departments. The building’s central location allows for families to have all of their essential needs met in one location upon a student’s enrollment.
In addition, Wilson has been very active in leadership across Texas. He has served in a leadership role with the Fast Growth Schools Coalition, the Texas Association of School Administrators and Friends of Texas Public Schools. Wilson is also a board member for the United Way of Denton County, Communities in Schools of North Texas, Denton County Children’s Advocacy Center and DATCU.
