By Avery Korponai
Standard-Radio Post reporter
The Fredericksburg ISD Board of Trustees voted to appoint a veteran of transitioning administrations to lead the daily operations of the school district until a new superintendent is hired.
After four interviews with candidates on Monday, Dec. 8, the board appointed Dr. Ann Dixon as interim superintendent, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Her appointment is contingent upon successful contract negotiations between her and the district.
“Dr. Dixon brings over 35 years of experience as a superintendent in Texas,” Board President Matt Seidenberger said. “She is known for stepping in during transitions and keeping daily operations steady.”
Current superintendent Dr. Joe Rodriguez will continue serving through December before he moves to Goose Creek ISD. According to district officials, he will work with Dixon through this month to ensure a smooth transition.
Dixon has experience as an interim superintendent in more than 25 different school districts. She also lives in the Hill Country and has extended family in Fredericksburg, according to school officials.
“The Board hopes this will bring a shared understanding of ‘values, traditions and expectations,’” stated a press release on the FISD website.
The board plans to use a search firm to conduct the search for a permanent superintendent. At this time, the anticipated cost of this service is unknown, as no specific firm has been chosen yet, Seidenberger said.
The board aims to hire a permanent superintendent in the late spring with an expected start date in July, though Seidenberger said the timeline depends on finding, “the right person for FISD.”
Texas superintendent searches are kept confidential, and candidate interviews will be conducted privately by the board, according to Seidenberger.
The district does plan to gather community input on desired superintendent characteristics through methods recommended by the selected search firm when the time comes, according to the board.
“Community feedback is an essential component,” the district said in press release posted at 9 p.m. Tuesday on its website. “The Board will seek guidance from the selected firm on meaningful ways to gather input from families, staff and the broader school community.”
The district encourages community members to visit fisd.org for updates and official FISD communications.
