Dr. Mark Ruffin Named Lone Finalist for Montgomery ISD Superintendent
In a unanimous vote during the November regular school board meeting, Montgomery ISD trustees named Dr. Mark Ruffin as the lone finalist for the district’s new superintendent of schools.
Dr. Ruffin is currently the superintendent in Normangee ISD, a role he has held since 2018. Under his leadership, Normangee ISD achieved academic improvements, and voters in the district passed a bond referendum in May 2022 to enhance district facilities and expand resources available to students.
Prior to his service as superintendent in Normangee ISD, Dr. Ruffin served as Normangee High School principal and worked in Humble ISD where he served as an assistant principal and math teacher at Kingwood Park High School. He began his career as a special education and math teacher in Centerville ISD.
Dr. Ruffin earned his doctorate in education from West Texas A&M University, his master's degree in education from University of Texas at Tyler, and his bachelor's degree from University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently a member of the Texas Association of School Administrator’s Commissioner’s Cabinet and a superintendency mentor for the Region 6 Education Service Center.
"I am both humbled and thrilled to join the Montgomery ISD community and be a part of this district's tradition of excellence," Dr. Ruffin said. "I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and the outstanding teachers and staff in this district to continue moving Montgomery ISD forward as an exceptional school district in the state of Texas. My family is excited to call Montgomery our new home.”
The district’s search for the new superintendent began in July when the board hired former Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Moses and David Thompson, a highly regarded educational leader in Texas, to conduct the process. In October, the search firm hosted several focus group meetings and conducted an online survey to gather community input about the desired qualities for the new leader.
"Dr. Ruffin brings valuable leadership experience, dedication, and heart to this role. After starting as a classroom teacher, he quickly ascended to leadership where his high standard of excellence and values ultimately led him to being named a superintendent," Board President Laurie Turner said. “Our community and staff told us they wanted an educational leader who is passionate about teaching and learning, an outstanding communicator and has a strong ability to connect with people. We have found that leader in Dr. Ruffin and we cannot wait to welcome and introduce him to our MISD family.”
Montgomery ISD board trustees made the following comments about Dr. Ruffin and the district’s process for hiring a new superintendent.
“Throughout this entire process, Dr. Ruffin’s leadership style, core family values and passion for kids really shined through,” Board Vice President Nate Robb said. "He has a true desire to make meaningful connections with people and the community. He is also well-versed in the challenges facing public school districts across the state. He is a dynamic educator and leader, and instilled confidence in our board that he is the right person to take Montgomery to the next level. “
“This is one of, if not the most, important decisions made by a school board,” Trustee Eddie Winn said. “We have devoted a tremendous amount of time, thought, and discussion in seeking the right person to be our next superintendent. Dr. Ruffin holds every quality and characteristic our board and community desired in our next leader. We are extremely excited to announce Dr. Ruffin as our lone finalist.”
“Our district has been moving in a positive direction in managing growth, improving academic outcomes for students and confronting other challenges facing public schools, not only in Montgomery County but across the state of Texas.” Trustee Trey Kirby said. “With the growth we continue to experience across our district, it is important to us that Montgomery ISD maintains a culture of community and continues to reflect the values and beliefs of the people who live and work here. We believe that Dr. Ruffin will fit into this role seamlessly, and we are confident that under his leadership we will maintain the culture our outstanding leadership team has established.”
“Dr. Ruffin exudes the qualities and characteristics of this town,” Trustee Matt Fuller said. “A top priority for our board was finding a strong educational leader who would immediately connect with students, parents, teachers, staff and community members in our district. We have found that leader in Dr. Ruffin.”
“His passion for building meaningful connections with people and his focus on ensuring all students succeed are qualities that I know our community will immediately recognize,” Trustee Shawn Denison said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Dr. Ruffin’s leadership will have on Montgomery ISD students, teachers, and staff.”
“Dr. Ruffin is all about community, communication, and setting high standards and expectations to ensure that all students succeed,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “These leadership values will only enhance the already strong culture in Montgomery ISD, which will support our vision that every student receives a premier education, reaches their full potential, and is prepared for future success.”
The Board of Trustees also expressed their gratitude for Dr. Amy Busby, who has served as Interim Superintendent since July.
“On behalf of the Board, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Busby for serving our district as interim superintendent during this important time,” Turner said. “Her deep knowledge of the district and steady leadership have been critical during this time of transition, guiding us as we have continued serving our students and families. She is a major asset to our district and the board is grateful for her dedicated leadership.”
In compliance with state law, a 21-day waiting period will now go into effect before the board will vote to offer a contract to Dr. Ruffin to serve as superintendent.