On Friday, November 21, the Education Service Center Region 11 Board of Trustees named current GCISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz as its next executive director.
Dr. Schnautz has served as superintendent in GCISD since March 2023, first joining the district in 2017 as deputy superintendent to lead the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade instructional, athletics and fine arts programs.
In a message to staff, Dr. Schnautz expressed his heartfelt gratitude to have experienced the distinction of GCISD firsthand.
“Serving in GCISD for the past eight and a half years has been such a privilege. It has been a tremendous honor to serve with our amazing educators and staff. As a parent, I have been most proud to witness my four children thrive as recipients of the truly exceptional education offered here,” he said.
Throughout his leadership tenure in GCISD, the district has made gains in advanced academics with record Advanced Placement exam success, the bilingual program realized substantial increases in English proficiency, and students earned an all-time high of industry based certifications last year. Dr. Schnautz has guided the district through a $150 million bond package and a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE), facilitated the successful sponsorship and support agreement between the district and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine, and led a strategic planning process which consisted of the Board of Trustees adopting the GCISD Balanced Scorecard as its five-year strategic plan as well as the district’s vision, mission, and priorities.
“GCISD has expanded opportunities for students through advanced academic pathways, career-focused programs, and meaningful partnerships with businesses and higher-education institutions,” he shared. “Our educators and leaders have embraced continuous improvement, resulting in measurable gains in student achievement and stronger support systems across campuses. Together, we have also invested in school safety, modernized instructional resources, and enhanced the learning environments our students and teachers deserve. Even in the face of challenges, our district has remained united in its commitment to ensuring that every student is known, valued, and supported.”
Dr. Schnautz will begin his new role January 5, 2026, but the GCISD Board of Trustees will immediately begin the process of leading this district through this transition.