LH Press Library
Waiver Clears Way for New Superintendent to take the Job
Dallas Morning News, by Kristine Hughes
June 6, 2004
Jim Nelson can now legally work as superintendent of the Richardson school district. State education Commissioner Shirley Neeley granted him a waiver so he can hold the job "without the necessary certification requirements."
Richardson's Board of Trustees requested the waiver when members decided to hire Mr. Nelson to replace retiring Superintendent Carolyn Bukhair. The waiver was needed because Mr. Nelson does not have an administrator's certificate required by the state education code.
Mr. Nelson is an attorney who has had several elected and appointed positions in public education. He has never worked in a classroom or as a school administrator and does not have an educator certificate.
He has been Texas' commissioner of education, chairman of the State Board for Educator Certification and an Ector County school board member.
"RISD's board believes without question that Mr. Nelson's experience, skills and training [together] is a more than qualifying substitute for formal training through a superintendent preparation program," President Anne Foster wrote in the May 13 letter that accompanied the waiver application.
"He has spent his professional life working to improve the public schools in Texas," she added.
Dr. Neeley granted the waiver in a letter dated May 18 that was released by RISD last week.
"I wish Richardson ISD success in its partnership with Mr. Nelson toward promoting student excellence," Dr. Neeley wrote.
The waiver is effective for three school years. To renew it, the district must prove it has advanced toward its goals during Mr. Nelson's tenure. His first official day on the job will be July 19 after the district administration's summer break. He will be at the district offices June 14 to take the reins on Dr. Bukhair's last day.
Reprinted with permission of The Dallas Morning News.
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