Crandall ISD names Dr. AJ Murry as interim superintendent, tabs Leasor Crass to conduct permanent search

At a special meeting Saturday morning, the Crandall ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Dr. Anjanette (AJ) Murry as interim superintendent and tabbed Leasor Crass to oversee the district’s search for its next superintendent.

Murry currently serves as CISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Data & Information Systems and has 28 years of experience in education. She will begin as interim March 21 after current superintendent, Dr. Wendy Eldredge, begins her new role as superintendent of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.
“We want to sustain the progress put in place throughout the past four years and feel that Dr. Murry gives us the best opportunity to maintain our fast-growth direction and forward-thinking mindset,” said Rick Harrell, CISD board president. “She will help keep us on track as we immediately begin the search for Dr. Eldredge’s replacement.”

Leasor Crass will manage the district’s superintendent search. The firm has managed searches for at least eight districts this past school year. Among its most recent clients are Joshua, Grapevine-Colleyville, Northwest and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDs.

Crandall’s position among the fastest-growing districts in Texas is expected to generate interest, given that many districts in the state are working through decreasing enrollment. According to the most recent demographer’s report, CISD is projected to double in size over the next nine years, from its current enrollment of 6,100 to almost 13,300 students. Close to 1,500 students are
new this year to the district, which represents about 25 percent of its overall student body.

The district currently has close to 17,500 planned housing developments with 4,500 currently under construction, due in large part to Kaufman County ranking as the fastest-growing county in America.

It also passed a $365-million bond in May 2022, including a stand-alone secondary proposition for a new Fine Arts Center. CISD has also expanded its police force to 10 officers, placing it among the largest school district police departments in Kaufman County.

“We are in a time of unprecedented growth, not just in our district, but throughout the entire North Texas area,” Harrell said. “We know there is a lot Crandall ISD has to offer and are excited to begin working with Dr. Murry during this interim period as we work to find our next superintendent.

“We will engage stakeholders throughout and share a timeline once dates are finalized for feedback. We want only the best for our students, teachers, staff and community, and are committed to finding someone who meets our unique needs.”

Contact
Chris Moore, CISD Communications Officer
cmoore@crandall-isd.net
214-878-1308 cell (preferred)