Northside ISD Trustees Initiated Superintendent Search
Families in San Antonio should track this leadership transition as the district prepares for upcoming bond and tax votes.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Administration
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Northside Independent School District trustees have officially launched a national search for a new superintendent. This leadership change follows the announcement of John Craft's retirement, with Jessica Palomares currently serving as interim superintendent.
Why it matters
A new superintendent will shape district policies during a critical period, including potential school closures and major financial decisions. These administrative changes coincide with upcoming district-wide votes that could alter local property taxes and school funding.
As of September 11, 2026, Northside ISD serves 95,937 students, representing a decline of 1,683 students year-over-year. The district faces an upcoming November 3, 2026, election featuring $886 million in bond propositions.
The players
Northside Independent School District
A major San Antonio-area public school system currently managing significant enrollment shifts and major infrastructure bond proposals.
Texas Association of School Boards
A statewide organization that provides guidance and support to local school districts on administrative searches and governance.
John Craft
The outgoing superintendent of Northside ISD who is currently transitioning out of his leadership role.
Jessica Palomares
The interim superintendent currently managing district operations for Northside ISD.
The details
The board has partnered with the Texas Association of School Boards to manage the national recruitment process for a permanent successor to John Craft. While the district navigates this transition, interim superintendent Jessica Palomares oversees operations, including an optimization study that may lead to future school closures starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. The district also remains focused on a major financial ballot initiative that seeks to address tax rates and infrastructure funding.
Timeline
June 2026: John Craft announced his retirement.
August 1, 2026: Jessica Palomares took over as interim superintendent.
September 11, 2026: Northside ISD reported a total enrollment of 95,937 students.
November 3, 2026: The district will hold an election regarding tax rates and bond propositions.
The Home Front
Large school districts in Texas frequently cycle through leadership transitions while balancing enrollment volatility and infrastructure needs. This search follows the procedural framework established for public school boards managing executive transitions under state oversight.
Residents should review the $886 million in bond propositions ahead of the November election to understand the potential impact on their property tax rates. Families with students in the district should also monitor board meeting agendas for updates regarding the potential 2027-2028 school optimization plan.
The takeaway
Large-scale superintendent searches often signal significant shifts in district resource allocation and infrastructure planning. Keep track of official board meeting minutes to see how the new leadership will influence future school facility usage.
What happens next
The Texas Association of School Boards is scheduled to present a formal search timeline at an upcoming school board meeting, and voters will decide on the $886 million bond package on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Families can learn more about how district leadership impacts local schools at San Antonio Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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