Kilgore, Texas – Region 7 Education Service Center is honored to announce Dr. Carnelius Gilder, West Sabine ISD Superintendent of Schools, as the 2024 Regional Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Gilder's exceptional leadership, dedication to educational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and community of West Sabine ISD.
During his time at West Sabine ISD, Dr. Gilder has transformed the district through innovative programs, strategic initiatives, and a focus on academic achievement and student well-being. His leadership has resulted in significant improvements in student performance, graduation rates, and overall school culture.
"The leadership, character, and dexterity that Dr. Gilder displays stems from more than 20 years ago when he was a student leader at West Sabine High School," said WSISD Board President Lisa Lane. “As a member of the school community as a student, teacher, assistant principal, and Director of Academics, he was the right choice to lead our district.”
Key accomplishments under Dr. Gilder’s leadership include the implementation of teacher incentives, academic growth, increased enrollment, parent and family engagement, restructuring of the Gifted and Talented program, investment in the Career and Technical Education programs, and enhancements in Special Education. All of these areas have cultivated the district, creating a more inviting and inspirational environment for learning and success.
“Dr. Gilder’s continued commitment and advocacy for our school, community, and state make him the perfect candidate for this award,” said Lane. “Every single day is a ‘Great Day to be a Tiger’, and we owe it all to Dr. Gilder.”
Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality in their districts, and commitment to public involvement in education. All superintendents whose school board is an Active Member of TASB are eligible to be nominated. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the State Selection Committee.
The State Selection Committee will interview all regional winners on August 23-24 and select five state finalists. The Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the txEDCON2024 TASA | TASB Convention.
TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school boards. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve approximately 5.4 million public school students.
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