TASA’s Executive Superintendent program was designed to provide TASA members with access to an extensive and diverse cadre of experienced former superintendents with an array of combined expertise. Through the program, TASA members have access to a team of executive superintendents, each dedicated to serving administrators in their respective ESC regions. TASA’s executive superintendents serve as an extension of TASA staff and are on hand to support TASA members in a variety of ways, with an emphasis on helping new superintendents navigate the role. As seasoned administrators, these superintendents are able to listen and provide support based on their own experiences. Below we introduce you to the TASA Executive Superintendent for ESC Regions 3 and 6, Thomas Randle.
Thomas Randle knew he wanted to be a teacher from the moment he entered high school. A graduate of Brenham High School, Randle had an agriculture teacher who supported and encouraged him, becoming his career role model. After receiving his degree from Texas A&M University, Randle began teaching in Sweeny ISD.
“I loved every minute of it,” Randle says of his time in the classroom.
After four years in Sweeny, Randle spent 13 years in Conroe ISD, serving as a grade-level principal and administrative assistant principal at McCullough Junior High School in the Woodlands. He then became the principal at Knox Junior High School, a position he held for five years before changing roles to serve as assistant superintendent in secondary education in the district.
Six years later, Randle moved into his first superintendency, taking the position in La Marque ISD. After six years in La Marque, he became superintendent of Lamar CISD, a position he held for 20 years until his retirement in 2021.
Following a long and storied career in education that spanned more than four decades, Randle took the opportunity to serve TASA as an executive superintendent. It wasn’t his first leadership role with the association; Randle also served as TASA president in 2007.
“I feel like this is an opportunity to give back to TASA,” Randle says. “It has reminded me how important it is to mentor and support leadership in the state. TASA does a great job of that.”
As executive superintendent for regions 3 and 6, Randle visits and stays in touch with superintendents in both regions, encouraging them to take advantage of the benefits TASA has to offer them. He also serves as a mentor, listening and supporting superintendents with the insight he gained from 26 years in the superintendent’s seat.
While Randle works to support other TASA members, he says that staying involved benefits him as well, helping him stay connected with school leaders from across the state.
“To work at the Midwinter Conference, as well as at TASA|TASB, gives you an opportunity to interact with superintendents that you know, as well as new superintendents coming on board. I enjoy having an opportunity to engage in conversations around what are the types of things we can do to support superintendents who are actually doing the day-to-day operating of schools now.”
The career of a public school leader has experienced seismic changes since Randle stepped into the role more than 26 years ago. As he supports new superintendents, Randle says one of the biggest changes he sees for them compared to when he started is the influence of social media on how they interact with the community.
“When I first started as superintendent, we had a little more time to work on issues that came up,” he says. “Whereas now, a superintendent has to respond immediately. They have to have the ability to know how to respond to a situation quickly.”
Despite the many challenges that come with the job, Randle says that working in education is one of the most honorable professions there is. In Lamar, he oversaw nine graduating classes for which he was the superintendent for their entire stints in the district, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Having the opportunity to influence the lives of students really and truly helps our communities and our country to grow,” he says. “It is both an honor as well as a challenge, but I really and truly believe that being a teacher is one of the most noble professions that exists.”
Find contact information for all the TASA executive superintendents.
