Prosper ISD's Board of Trustees is interviewing candidates for the district's next permanent superintendent, the latest step in a search that began after Dr. Holly Ferguson retired in May.

The board hired Impact Education Specialists, a Texas-based executive search firm, on a unanimous 7-0 vote May 18 to run the process. As we reported when interviews began Sept. 9, the district confirmed interviews are underway but has not named finalists or set a public timeline for a hire.

Trustees held two closed sessions on the search, most recently Aug. 25. No hire was announced after either meeting.

Acting Superintendent Bill McLaughlin, the former deputy superintendent, has led the more than 34,000-student district since May 26. McLaughlin brings 33 years of education experience, including four years with Prosper ISD.

Board President Kelly Cavender said May 26, when the board appointed McLaughlin, that the board had "full confidence in his ability to maintain the excellence our families and staff have come to expect."

Bridges Middle School dedicated Sept. 2

The district dedicated Bridges Middle School on Wednesday, Sept. 2, marking Prosper ISD's seventh middle school. The ceremony honored Jim Bridges, who served 15 years on the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees.

Principal Alex Crosbie addressed Bridges directly during the event: "Mr. Bridges, I hope every student who walks through these doors feels exactly what you hoped they would—that they are known, that they are loved, that they are cared for, and that they belong."

National PLC recognition

Prosper ISD earned designation as a Model Professional Learning Community District, or PLC, from Solution Tree's Evidence of Effectiveness Committee, the district announced March 30. Only eight districts in Texas hold the distinction.

Reviewer Mike Mattos highlighted the district's gains in special education, noting consistent improvement in student achievement for students with Individualized Education Programs across grade levels over three consecutive years.

Six campuses earned individual Model PLC recognition: Boyer Elementary, Cockrell Elementary, Light Farms Elementary, Prosper High School, Reynolds Middle School and Windsong Ranch Elementary.

The board's next regular meeting is Sept. 28. The district has not announced whether a superintendent vote will appear on that agenda.