Lorena, Texas — Following an extensive and deliberate search process facilitated by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services, the Lorena Independent School District Board of Trustees has named Dr. Theodore “Teddy” Clevenger as the lone finalist for superintendent of schools.

Dr. Clevenger currently serves as superintendent of Bartlett ISD, a position he has held since 2019, and brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, including 13 years in district and campus leadership roles. His background includes service as a superintendent, high school and middle school principal, classroom teacher, and coach, along with experience overseeing academics, finance, facilities, operations, and school safety.

Dr. Brad Buckley, Texas House of Representatives, said, “I want to congratulate Lorena ISD on selecting Dr. Teddy Clevenger as their sole finalist for Superintendent. I have worked closely with Dr. Clevenger over the past several years and have found him to be a man of strong faith and character who cares deeply for students, supports teachers and values parents as partners in making certain every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed.”

A Thorough, Community‑Driven Search Process

The Board partnered with TASB Executive Search Services to conduct a comprehensive superintendent search grounded in community input and transparency. The process included multiple community listening sessions, meetings with staff and district leadership, and an online survey open to all community members. Feedback was gathered from parents, staff, students, administrators, and community stakeholders to help define the leadership qualities and priorities most important to Lorena ISD.

TASB consultants used this feedback to develop a leadership profile that guided candidate recruitment, application screening, reference checks, and multiple rounds of board interviews. The Board reviewed applications, conducted first‑ and second‑round interviews, and carefully evaluated finalists against the criteria established by the community before selecting a lone finalist.

“From the beginning, this Board was committed to a thoughtful, transparent process that truly reflected the voices of our community,” said Board President Dr. Denny Kramer. “Dr. Clevenger consistently demonstrated alignment with the qualities and priorities our stakeholders told us they value most. We specifically sought a candidate with prior superintendency experience and a proven track record in dealing with the difficult challenges facing schools today.”

Alignment with Community Priorities

Community feedback identified several key priorities for the next superintendent, including strategic, student‑centered leadership; clear and transparent communication; and strong relationship‑building to strengthen community trust.

Dr. Clevenger’s experience reflects these priorities in multiple ways:

• Student‑Centered and Strategic Leadership: As superintendent of Bartlett ISD, Dr. Clevenger has overseen academic improvement, long‑range planning, and district initiatives focused on student success. Under his leadership, the district achieved its first ever “B” academic rating from the Texas Education Agency and continued progress toward higher performance.
  
  
• Fiscal Responsibility and Operational Oversight: Dr. Clevenger has led districts through balanced budgets, maintained healthy fund balances, and managed major facility projects. His experience includes overseeing bond planning and implementation, grant funding, and district operations.
  
  
• Communication and Transparency: Community input emphasized the importance of clear, consistent communication. Dr. Clevenger has demonstrated a commitment to frequent stakeholder engagement, visibility on campuses, and open communication with staff, families, and board members. He utilizes communications such as regular newsletters and Facebook Live forums to make district communications accessible to working families and community members.
  
  
• Relationship Building and Community Trust: Feedback from the leadership profile highlighted the value placed on presence, approachability, and respect for Lorena’s traditions. Dr. Clevenger is known for being highly visible in schools and at activities, building strong teams, and fostering collaborative relationships within the community.
  
  

“Our community asked for a superintendent who is visible, approachable, and deeply invested in students, staff, and families,” Kramer said. “Dr. Clevenger’s leadership style, experience, and family values closely match those expectations.”

“I’m grateful to the Lorena ISD Board of Trustees for the care and intentionality reflected throughout this process,” Clevenger said. “Lorena’s focus on relationships, students, and tradition is evident, and I appreciate the opportunity to step into this moment with respect for the district’s work and future.”

Background

Dr. Clevenger holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Change, from Abilene Christian University and is certified in Texas as a superintendent and principal. His career includes leadership roles across multiple districts and grade levels, providing experience with vertical alignment, instructional improvement, and districtwide operations. His 20 years of public school experience includes leadership in Bartlett ISD, Teague ISD, Normangee ISD, and Temple ISD, as well as teaching and coaching at Harker Heights High School in Killeen. He has also served in regional leadership roles through ESC Region 13 and professional education organizations, and Deacon at Bartlett First Baptist Church. Dr. Clevenger and his wife of 21 years, Stephanie, have two sons – Kaiden, a high school senior, and Hudson, an eighth grader.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the Clevenger Family to Lorena,” said Kathileen Boozer, longtime Lorena ISD resident and mom of two Lorena students. “I’ve worked closely with Stephanie for many years, and had the privilege to witness Teddy’s impact and accomplishments in other districts. He has a way of building relationships that I’m excited he is bringing to Lorena ISD.”

“Lorena ISD is gaining an outstanding leader in Teddy Clevenger. I have had the privilege of working with Teddy as a neighboring superintendent in Region 13, and I have seen firsthand his faith-driven approach, servant attitude, and deep commitment to students, staff, and community.Teddy has demonstrated exceptional educational leadership, helping move a formerly low-performing district toward higher academic and athletic standards. Lorena ISD is fortunate to have a superintendent of his character, vision, and proven ability,” said Randy Willis, the Executive Director of Texas Association of Rural Schools.

Next Steps

As required by Texas law, the Board will observe a 21‑day waiting period before taking final action on the superintendent appointment.

“The Board is grateful to the community, staff, and TASB Executive Search Services for their time, feedback, and trust throughout this process,” Kramer said. “We believe the selection of Dr. Clevenger reflects both the diligence of the search and the priorities of our community. He is the perfect fit for carrying forward Lorena’s successes, traditions, and spirit.”