During a Special Called Board Meeting today, Sunday, December 13, the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees voted to name Velma Soliz-Garcia as the Lone Finalist for the next Superintendent of Schools for Flour Bluff Independent School District. State law requires the Board to wait 21 days before a contract is signed and the superintendent is officially hired.
Mrs. Soliz-Garcia is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Gregory-Portland Independent School District where she has served the District since 2017. Prior to serving Gregory-Portland ISD, she was the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Alice ISD for four years. She held several positions in Flour Bluff Independent School District from 1997-2004 as a Director of Federal Programs/Curriculum & Instruction, Principal and Assistant Principal. She lends her expertise from a 32-year career in education serving in various roles as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, District Director, School Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and Classroom Aide.
She earned a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Education/Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education through Walden University.
Mrs. Soliz-Garcia understands the importance of service to the community. She is currently serving her 16th year on the Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend.
She and her husband have two adult sons, one of which is a teacher in Sinton ISD and the other who graduated this week from Del Mar College and is employed in the field of technology.
The superintendent search process began in October and was led by Acting Superintendent, Joe Kelley. Mr. Kelley has been leading the District since the loss of Superintendent Dr. David Freeman in early August.
An online survey was launched October 1st for staff and the community to provide feedback on the qualities and characteristics of the next superintendent of schools. The Board of Trustees compiled the information to help determine the profile and qualifications the superintendent should possess. Applications for the top position were accepted from October 12th through November 15th; the vetting process took place in late November and early December. A total of 39 applicants from across the nation applied for the position. Six candidates were interviewed for the position over a two-day period.
“The search for our next leader has been an in-depth process,” said Shirley Thornton, President Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees. “The Board was impressed with all the candidates and feel Mrs. Soliz-Garcia is the best fit to keep moving FBISD forward. She has served our District and understands our unique make-up and deep-rooted traditions. In addition to being a highly-qualified and experienced candidate with a strong work ethic, Mrs. Soliz-Garcia is passionate about meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of every child. The Board and I look forward to working together with Mrs. Soliz-Garcia to continue building Flour Bluff ISD as a premier district.”
Following the required 21-day waiting period, the FBISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote and officially name Velma Soliz-Garcia as Superintendent of Schools during a special called board meeting scheduled for Monday, January 4.