Frisco ISD trustees named Dr. Mike Waldrip as the lone finalist to become the district’s next superintendent in a specially called meeting yesterday. Dr. Waldrip, current superintendent of Coppell ISD, is expected to assume his duties sometime after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.

The selection of Dr. Waldrip concludes a two-month search for Dr. Lyon’s replacement, who announced his retirement effective next month. With the assistance of the search firm Jenny Preston Consulting, the school board garnered public input from community members as well as FISD staff to develop a wish list of qualities desired in a new superintendent. Applications were received from all across the country during the almost 60-day process.

Dr. Waldrip, a 35-year educator, has been superintendent of schools in Coppell since 2014. He spent the previous 12 years in Frisco ISD, serving as middle school principal and director of secondary instruction before opening Liberty High School in 2006. He went on to serve as assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent prior to assuming his duties in Coppell.

A 1982 graduate of Texas Tech University, Dr. Waldrip earned his undergraduate degree in biology and physical education. Both his master’s and doctorate are in educational administration from Sul Ross State University and the University of North Texas, respectively. Prior to joining FISD, he was a teacher/coach and assistant principal in Victoria, Goliad and Seminole ISDs.

Dr. Waldrip has served on a variety of committees, sub-committees and boards at the local, regional and state level. Among them are the North Texas Regional Consortium, the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium, the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.