Montgomery ISD names superintendent
“He has a true desire to make meaning ful connections with people and the community.” Board Vice President Nate Robb
After a nearly six-month search, Montgomery ISD trustees named Normangee ISD Superintendent Mark Ruffin to lead the district.
Ruffin was unanimously approved by the board to act as the next superintendent during a Tuesday board meeting.
In compliance with state law, a 21-day waiting period will go into effect before the board will vote to offer a contract to Ruffin to serve as superintendent, a district release states.
Ruffin’s salary was not immediately available.
Ruffin has served as superintendent for Normangee ISD since 2018, achieving academic improvements and successfully leading a bond campaign in 2022, according to a release from Montgomery ISD.
This comes after former Montgomery ISD Superintendent Heath Morrison announced he was stepping down from his position in July to lead Teachers of Tomorrow, a Houston-based alternative certification program. Morrison ended his three-year tenure with the district, being named superintendent in July 2020.
Originally, officials said they expected to hire a new superintendent by January, naming the assistant superintendent of student services and innovation for the district, Amy Busby, as the interim superintendent in July.
“I am both humbled and thrilled to join the Montgomery ISD community and be a part of this district’s tradition of excellence,” Ruffin said in a written statement. “I look forward to working with the board of trustees and the outstanding teachers and staff in this district to continue moving Montgomery ISD forward as an exceptional school district in the state of Texas. My family is excited to call Montgomery our new home.”
Ruffin’s official start date is Dec. 19, but is anticipated to start when the district returns from winter break in January, said district spokesman Justin Marino.
Prior to working for Normangee ISD, Ruffin served as a Normangee High School principal, worked in Humble ISD as an assistant principal and math teacher at Kingwood Park High School, Montgomery ISD’s release states. He began his career as a special education and math teacher in Centerville ISD.
Ruffin is also a current member of the Texas Association of School Administrator’s Commissioner’s Cabinet and a superintendency mentor for the Region 6 Education Service Center, the release states.
Many board members said the hiring of Ruffin was an important decision and a step towards a positive direction.
“Dr. Ruffin brings valuable leadership experience, dedication, and heart to this role. After starting as a classroom teacher, he quickly ascended to leadership where his high standard of excellence and values ultimately led him to being named a superintendent,” said Board President Laurie Turner in a written statement. “Our community and staff told us they wanted an educational leader who is passionate about teaching and learning, an outstanding communicator and has a strong ability to connect with people. We have found that leader in Dr. Ruffin and we cannot wait to welcome and introduce him to our MISD family.”
Other board members shared similar sentiments.
“Throughout this entire process, Dr. Ruffin’s leadership style, core family values and passion for kids really shined through,” said Board Vice President Nate Robb in a written statement. “He has a true desire to make meaningful connections with people and the community. He is also wellversed in the challenges facing public school districts across the state. He is a dynamic educator and leader, and instilled confidence in our board that he is the right person to take Montgomery to the next level.”