Prosper ISD's Board of Trustees is interviewing finalists for the district's next superintendent, advancing a search that will shape leadership for more than 34,000 students.

The district confirmed the move to second-round interviews in its Tuesday, Sept. 22 "Together We Prosper" newsletter. As of the board's Sept. 1 newsletter, the search was still in the supplemental-application review stage. No finalists have been named.

The district has not disclosed how many candidates remain. The Sept. 22 newsletter asked for "continued engagement as we move into this next phase of our superintendent search."

Impact Education Specialists, the consulting firm hired to lead the search, laid out a timeline at a June 17 board work session. The firm projected interviews in September and October and a hire by the end of the year.

Doug Williams, a partner at the firm, told the board at that session that the goal was finding the right fit for Prosper specifically. Community Impact reported on the work session in July.

"We're not going to be going after the best superintendent," Williams said at the June work session. "We're going to be going after the best superintendent for you."

The new superintendent is expected to start during the fall semester, giving the hire time to learn the district before planning for the 2027–28 school year begins in the spring, according to the timeline Williams presented.

The search began after former Superintendent Holly Ferguson announced her retirement in March. The district named Deputy Superintendent Bill McLaughlin as acting superintendent in May. He has been leading the district through the transition.

McLaughlin has 33 years in public education and four years with Prosper ISD. He previously served as executive director of human resources and chief of school leadership and innovation.

Board President Kelly Cavender said in the district's May announcement that McLaughlin "brings the experience and dedication needed to ensure a seamless transition for our students, staff, and community."

The district spans roughly 58 square miles across Collin and Denton counties. It operates 20 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools and one early childhood school. Voters approved a $2.7 billion bond in November 2023 to support continued growth.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is Monday, Sept. 28.