In a special board meeting Monday morning, the Southside Independent School District board voted to hire Mark E. Eads as the new superintendent.
Eads, spoke to employees minutes after becoming the permanent superintendent, “I promise you, I promise you every decision I make is based on what is best for kids.”
Eads didn’t miss a beat getting to work, visiting schools and administrative staff.
“I am looking forward to a new opportunity to become part of and work with the community staff and students of Southside. We will work together to overcome challenges as a team. I believe my background will allow SISD to rise to new heights. My history with south and central Texas districts has given me the tools to build and unite professionals parents and above all the students. I want to thank the SISD trustees as we start a new journey for Southside ISD.” “I am excited to start working at Southside.” “Let’s be strong and be ready…I am ready to go.”
Eads has more than 27 years of experience in the classroom and school administration plus 9 years in the business sector, with positions being held at Snyder ISD, Medina Valley ISD, Tulosa Midway ISD as well as at Region 20 Education Sevice Center as an Education Specialist in charge of Leadership, Assessment, and Development. Other experience and training prepared him for Human Resources issues and working closely with Education Foundations. He considers himself a “bridge builder” who looks forward to working closely with community partnerships.
“I have confidence Mr. Eads will bring unity and stability to the district. This is history in the making.” said board president Julian Gonzales.
Eads is a Texas native who attended Corpus Christi State University and went on to earn his a Master of Science in Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
A strong family life adds balance to his professional career. His wife Shawna is a neonatal nurse practitioner; they have been married for 35 years. They have two daughters and a son: Amanda, Megan, and Tyler — all graduates of Texas A&M. The family enjoys outdoor activities and physical fitness, often training together to compete in half-marathons.
Eads offers that the foundation of his leadership is based on the book, The Servant, by James Hunter. Eads says, “I believe that education is a process of continuous growth for students and educators. Although often confused as being a finished product, education is never complete. We have a responsibility to teach and inspire everyone to be lifelong learners.”