(Houston, Texas) Oct. 10, 2014 – For Immediate Release Superintendent Dr. Duncan Klussmann Announces Plans to Retire After 18 years of service to the Spring Branch Independent School District community and 26 years in public education, Dr. Duncan Klussmann announced today he will retire after a decade as Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Klussmann’s last day in the district will be August 15, 2015; he will remain an employee of the school district until December of 2015 to assist with the transition. The Board of Trustees will begin discussions about the superintendent search at their Board Workshop on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at 6 PM, taking place at the Wayne F. Schaper Sr. Leadership Center. “I personally believe that ten years is about the right amount of time to stay at the helm of an organization like ours. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past decade. I believe new leadership and a new perspective will build on our legacy of success, and bring new ideas to the table,” said Superintendent Klussmann. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Chris Vierra praised the superintendent for his ability to build a strong culture of collaboration both within the district and between the district and the community. “On behalf of the Board, we highly value the progress made in our school system under Superintendent Klussmann’s leadership. Dr. Klussmann has been a tireless visionary for SBISD over the past decade. Along with the Board, Dr. Klussmann has focused Spring Branch ISD and its stakeholders on identifying and developing the strengths and gifts of every child. This vision culminated in the single focused goal for all of our students to achieve success beyond high school graduation,” said School Board President Chris Vierra. District Highlights Under Dr. Klussmann’s Leadership  Implemented T‐2‐4: The District’s goal of doubling the number of students completing a technical certificate, military training, a two‐year or four‐year degree  Development of the SKY Partnership, the first public‐charter school program of its kind in the nation  Expanded student choices with the development of KIPP Courage at Landrum Middle School, YES Prep at Northbrook Middle School, the Highly Gifted Academy, and the Secondary Dual Language Program offered at three campuses  After millions of dollars in cuts in state funding, returned the district to a balanced budget  Maintained one of the lowest school district taxing obligations in Harris County (More)      Passed the largest bond in school district history and rebuilt 13 schools Emphasized leadership development, including a partnership with Deloitte University and the Rice University REEP Program Greatly expanded the use of instructional technology in the school system Developed and implemented an Internal Accountability System that focuses on multiple measures of student success Served twice as President of the Texas School Alliance, a group of 39 of the largest school districts in the State of Texas, educating roughly 44% of all Texas public school students About Dr. Duncan Klussmann Duncan F. Klussmann has been the Superintendent of Schools in Spring Branch Independent School District since December of 2004. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Klussmann served as an interim superintendent and area superintendent for SBISD. His vast experience includes periods as a school principal and assistant principal, as well as a classroom teacher. In 2012, Dr. Klussmann helped create the SKY Partnership, which joins together SBISD with KIPP Houston and YES Prep Public Schools at two district middle schools where new campus program charters now operate. Dr. Klussmann also led the development and implementation of T‐2‐4, a single‐focused goal of doubling the number of SBISD students completing some form of higher education. A Texas native, Dr. Klussmann grew up in Brenham and Huntsville. Dr. Klussmann received his undergraduate degree in International Business and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and completed a masters of education at Stephen F. Austin State University. In 2004 he received his doctorate from Seton Hall University. ###