The Conroe ISD school board unanimously voted current-Wylie ISD Superintendent David Vinson as the lone finalist in their three month search for a permanent superintendent during last night’s meeting. Vinson will assume the position after the final vote Sept. 16.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Vinson said. “Lord, thank you. Thank you for considering us and we’re going to be ever part of this community. We’re going to put our whole heart and soul into this process.”

The board elected Ted Landry as interim in June responding to Ex-Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null’s departure to Lake Travis ISD for the same position. Now Landry must retire from his interim position, however, Board President Misty Odenweller alluded to another district position for Landry.

“When we named the interim, we had two goals: retain a highly respected Conroe ISD leader and ensure calm, steady leadership through this transition. Dr. Landry, you delivered,” Odenweller said. “You have been outstanding, an outstanding interim superintendent. Truly an eighth member of this team. We respect you, we value the work you’re doing and we look forward to continuing that partnership with you.”

In a divided vote May 29, the board hired Texans for Excellence in Education to run their permanent candidate search. The TEE is a non-profit board advisory committee founded in 2023 with a superintendent search team of six educators with over 20 years of experience each. This marked a departure from the Texas Association of School Boards, which provides superintendent searches to 99.7% of Texas school districts, albeit for a steeper cost.

The TEE presented candidates according to board criteria. Trustees interviewed finalists one-on-one before breaking into last night’s special meeting. According to Trustee Melissa Dungan, TEE also assisted in lone finalist selection.

“I want to say a special thank you to TEE,” Dungan said. “That was a big gap for you guys to step in and help lead us through that process that was very much appreciated from me personally and I’m sure the other board members really appreciated all that you did.”

Vinson must wait a minimum 21 days before the board can take the final vote. Vinson may assume the position immediately after the final vote.

“His leadership has shown that no matter a school’s size or demographics, every child can thrive, and every classroom can shine,” Trustee Melissa Semmler wrote on Facebook. “Dr. Vinson’s focus on fostering growth and building meaningful relationships, will help our students, and our district, become even greater.”

Who’s Vinson?

Raised in Dalhart, Texas, Vinson graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing, Master of Education and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. He’s spent 35 years in public education, beginning in 1992 as a gifted-talented teacher and coordinator in Idalou ISD. He later held an assistant superintendent position in Frenship ISD and then as Floresville ISD’s superintendent before elected as Wylie ISD superintendent in 2011.

“We want our students to achieve at high levels, but just as importantly, we want them to be good people who treat others with kindness,” Vinson wrote in his Wylie blog. “Take ownership of their actions, and work to make the world better.”

Vinson describes himself as a deep-root christian man with a passion for education and a soft spot for family. He and his wife of 32 years, Cristy Vinson, have two children together whom they raised in Wylie ISD, serving as a driver in Vinson’s education philosophy.

“Here’s the truth: love isn’t just a feeling, it’s transformative,” Vinson wrote in a Wylie blog. “It moves mountains, heals hurts, builds bridges, and binds communities. When kids feel loved, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they engage. When they engage, they learn, grow, and thrive.” 

In his time at Wylie ISD, Vinson earned the district multiple “A’s”, including 2025, from the Texas Education Agency annual state accountability ratings. According to a Conroe ISD press release, Since Vinson’s start, he’s increased dual-credit enrollment by 600%, delivered over $700 million in bond programs and grew district funds from $9 million to over $85 million.

“Throughout this process, we were united in our commitment to find the very best leader for our students, staff, and community,” Board President Misty Odenweller said in the release. “Dr. Vinson not only brings a track record of achievement, but also a heart for students and families. We are confident he will build on Conroe ISD’s strengths and lead us with vision and integrity into the future.”

Before holding the official vote, Odenweller called Vinson to the podium for final comments.

“I really believe that God has his hand on this decision and on the Conroe Independent School District,” Vinson said. “That heartens me and it gives strength and I know it’s the strength that we’ll need for lots of great things that are going to happen…. I can’t wait to learn how to Conroe, so let’s giddy up.”