From left, Buffy Rochard, Northpointe Intermediate School, and Mary Dawn Lowrey, Lakewood Elementary School

The Tomball Independent School District Board of Trustees announced Huey Kinchen as the lone finalist for the District’s superintendent position.  Kinchen is the current deputy superintendent for Tomball ISD.

The announcement was made after the Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search within and outside Texas.  They narrowed down a field of 34 applicants to make the final decision. 

“Huey is a quality individual,” Board President John E. McStravick said.  “He is passionate about the education profession, about Tomball ISD and, most importantly, about what is in the best interest of the students he serves.”

According to state guidelines for hiring a superintendent, the Board is required to give public notice of the name of the lone finalist being considered for a superintendent position at least 21 days prior to finalizing the decision.  The Board plans to hire Kinchen in June.

Kinchen has worked for the District for 13 years.  He spent five years as the principal of Tomball High School, five years as the assistant superintendent of administrative services, and an additional three years as deputy superintendent.  “It is an honor to be selected as the lone finalist,” Kinchen said.  “I am looking forward to transitioning the District to the next level and preparing for the future.” 

Prior to working in Tomball ISD, Kinchen worked in Humble ISD and Spring ISD.  In 1976, he earned a bachelors degree in science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  He received his masters degree in education in 1985 from Southeastern Louisiana University.

“The Board was looking for a visionary leader,” McStravick stated.  “We not only wanted a visionary leader in terms of instruction, but also in respect to facilities, staffing, programs, and finance.  We are confident Huey is that leader.”

Tomball ISD voters approved a $160 million bond referendum, known as Bond 2013, on Saturday, May 11.  The unofficial vote was 1,303 for the bond and 571 against.  The votes will become official when the vote tally is canvassed.  “I would like to thank the voters.  We appreciate their support of our students,” Tomball ISD Superintendent John Neubauer said.  “The passage of Bond 2013 will allow us to build new facilities to accommodate projected growth.  We are very thankful.”  Bond 2013 will address district growth, security, and technology.  Over the next five years, the district’s population is expected to increase by more than 3,700 students, which will increase enrollment to nearly 15,000 students.