SAN ANTONIO – After nearly three years of dedicated service, the Northside Independent School District (NISD) has announced that Superintendent Dr. John Craft will be retiring soon. This decision comes after a significant tenure in which Craft has made a lasting impact on the district.
Dr. Craft has spent a total of 27 years working in public education, including his role prior to NISD at Killeen Independent School District. His commitment to student success has been evident throughout his career.
“It’s always been about creating opportunities for students,” Dr. Craft stated. “I consider myself truly blessed to have served the children within Texas public schools.” His focus on students has shaped many initiatives during his time as superintendent.
The NISD board is set to discuss Craft’s evaluation and contract during a closed session on May 26. They will also meet on June 9 to formulate a transition plan for selecting the next superintendent.
Challenges and Notable Incidents During Craft’s Tenure
Dr. Craft’s leadership coincided with several significant challenges for Northside ISD. Among the most pressing issues was a $35 million budget deficit, which raised concerns about potential school closures. Additionally, the district faced a serious incident involving a police officer who was convicted for shooting a woman outside a football game.
Tragically, Craft’s tenure also included the death of a student from Stevens High School, who collapsed during practice. This incident highlighted the urgent need for improved safety protocols.
Another heartbreaking event was the death of Alfred Jimenez, an instructional aide at Brandeis High School, who suffered a fatal incident involving a student with disabilities. Following this, Jimenez’s widow, Margo Jimenez, has been vocal about the need for better training and safety measures within the district to prevent such tragedies.
Margo expressed her frustration, stating, “For me, nothing has changed. I have no closure. I still don’t know what actually happened.” This sentiment underscores the challenges the district faces in addressing safety concerns and maintaining trust within the community.
During a recent board meeting, Craft responded to inquiries regarding the incidents, saying, “I would not be able to answer that question without legal counsel present.” This highlights the complexity of navigating sensitive issues in a school district.
