The end of the first semester of the 2018-2019 school year will bring a few administrative changes in Abilene ISD.

  • Joseph Waldron, who has spent most of his career in Texas, is coming to AISD from his position as superintendent of schools for Morris Community High School District in Illinois to become the new associate superintendent of human resources.
  • Roger Thomas, principal at Johnston Elementary School since 2005, is retiring at the end of the first semester. Jeff Brokovich, executive director for instructional support, will serve as interim principal during the process of selecting a leader at Johnston.
  • Carla Garrett, executive director of elementary education, is retiring at the end of the first semester. Her successor will be selected at a later date.

Prior to taking his most recent position in Illinois, Waldron was the superintendent of Lefors ISD in the Texas Panhandle for four years. He was also an assistant superintendent and high school principal in Childress ISD and began his career in 2001 as a teacher in Wichita Falls.

Waldron is the first associate superintendent of human resources since Mark Neal resigned in 2016. Dr. Joe Alcorta supervised human resources until last year when he left to become superintendent in Dalhart ISD. Dr. Larry Blair, a retired superintendent, has been working in an interim role as executive director of human resources and will leave his duties at the Christmas break.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have someone with the caliber of Dr. Waldron to lead our human resources department,” said AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young. “He brings a wealth of experience to this role, and I know the community is going to enjoy getting to know his family.”

Thomas has served AISD for 22 years, the last 13 at Johnston, and has a total of 29 years in education.

“His daily presence at Johnston will be missed,” Young said. “I am thankful for the incredible impact he has had on thousands of students throughout his career.”

Garrett has been executive director of elementary education for the past two and half years. She previously was the principal at Austin Elementary School and an administrator at Abilene High School, all part of her 34-plus years in education.

“Carla has had an immeasurable impact on students that she has been associated with,” Young said. “AISD owes her a debt of gratitude for her faithful service.  Her position will remain vacant throughout the spring semester with Dr. Gustavo Villanueva, Dr. Dan Dukes and Mr. Gail Gregg combining to provide support to elementary campuses in her absence.  A selection process for her position will take place in the spring for a July start.”