Corsicana ISD names Howell Lone Finalist for Superintendent

By Raymond Linex, Executive Director of Communications,

Corsicana Independent School District

Corsicana native Stephanie Howell has been named Lone Finalist for Superintendent of schools by a unanimous vote of the Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees.

The vote took place during a special called meeting of the Board Friday morning. Howell has served as Deputy Superintendent since July of 2023 and was Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Strategic Initiatives the previous two years. The 1994 Corsicana High School graduate is set to succeed Dr. Diane Frost, who announced her retirement in February after 14 years as the District’s leader.

“Stephanie Howell emerged as the clear choice to guide our district into the future following a search process that included input from stakeholders across our community,” Board President Dr. Seth Brown said. “She has experience ranging from teacher to principal to administration, and we believe in her leadership abilities when it comes to the education of our students, the growth of our staff, and service to our community. She knows the heartbeat of Corsicana.”

Under state law, school boards must wait 21 days between naming a finalist and executing a contract with a new Superintendent.

The Texas A&M-Commerce graduate earned her Master’s from Lamar University, and is on course to secure a Doctorate in Education. Her leap into Administration came in 2009 when she was named an Assistant Principal at Collins Middle School (now Intermediate). Three years later she served as an Assistant at CHS, then spent three years as Principal of the Dual Language Sam Houston Elementary campus, followed by two years as Principal at Carroll Elementary and one more year at Collins Intermediate as Principal.

In June of 2018, Howell was named Executive Director of Technology and Innovation and in November of 2021 became Assistant Superintendent.

In almost 20 years of education, Howell has focused on one principle – every child can be successful.

“Preparing students for the future has always guided my intentions and actions,” Howell said. “In roles from being in the classroom to leading a campus to having a voice in major District decisions, the foundation needed to lead and impact the lives of students developed. Having served in so many roles allows me to see situations through a variety of lenses and have empathy and understanding needed in effective decision making.”  

During her tenure as Deputy Superintendent, Howell initiated a student performance program, implemented a system to enhance classroom instruction and management, and worked to reorganize and streamline the budget process. As Assistant Superintendent, she developed the Accelerated Learning Academy and the local Amazing Shake, spearheaded CHS’ Esports program, advanced a plan for school improvement campuses, and restructured the Child Nutrition Department.

“A rewarding part of my time in Corsicana is seeing the maturation of young leaders like Ms. Howell,” Dr. Frost said. “She has excelled in every new challenge presented to her, and I believe she will do the same as the next CISD superintendent. Ms. Howell is a wonderful educator and I am confident she will lead our students, staff, and the community to many more successes in the future.”

Corsicana ISD turned to the Texas Association of School Boards to assist in the search for the District’s next superintendent. The TASB recruiting team hosted a community meeting and a staff meeting, managed a survey open to the entire community, and oversaw the entire application process. The CISD Board narrowed the initial pool to five finalists and conducted interviews last week. Howell and one other finalist went through a second round of interviews Monday.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Howell said. “I am a Corsicana product who loves my hometown, and my goal will always be to make this a better place for our students, teachers, staff, and community, setting a foundation for future generations.”

Howell and husband Stephen have two children, son Nick and daughter Makayla, and Layla, their granddaughter.

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