After leading Garland ISD through one of the most dynamic periods in its history, Curtis Culwell is retiring. Culwell, who has served as GISD superintendent since 1999, announced his retirement—effective in December—at Tuesday night’s school board work session in the Harris Hill Administration Building.
Culwell, one of the most respected educational leaders in the state, is stepping down after 37 years in Texas public education and 23 years as a Texas public school superintendent. His educational career began in 1976 as an English teacher and coach at Garland’s Lakeview Centennial High School.
“It has been one of the most significant privileges in my life to serve this district,” Culwell said. “My affection for this institution and the people who comprise the GISD family is deep and encompasses a significant portion of my personal, and professional, life.”
Under Culwell’s watch, GISD has experienced immense success across the board. Financial accomplishments are evidenced through the Texas State Comptroller FAST award and Texas Honor Circle Award — two marks which recognize districts for balancing academic progress and fiscal responsibility. GISD’s five-star FAST rating was achieved by only 23 of the state’s 1,237 districts. Garland is also one of only eight school districts in Texas with an AAA rating from Moody’s.
His educational accomplishments aside, the personal ties Culwell has established during his career in Garland also weighed heavily in his decision.
“My dearest friends in the world work, or have worked, in this district,” he said. “To them, I say ‘thank you’ in more ways than can be enumerated. I started my professional career here, met my wife here, started my family here and now it is time to end it here.”
Culwell stated he will serve the district to the best of his abilities during this transition.
