For Grapevine-Colleyville, superintendent choice marks turning point
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD trustees unanimously selected Jason Adams, a deputy superintendent from the Garland school district, as the lone finalist to lead one of the area’s most sought-after school districts.
The vote came during a specially called meeting on May 22. Under state law, the board must wait 21 days before officially hiring Adams. That formal vote is scheduled for the June 15 meeting.
For families in Grapevine and Colleyville — and for homebuyers eyeing the district’s well-regarded schools — the announcement signals a step toward stability after a turbulent stretch that included the mid-year resignation of the previous superintendent, contested elementary school closures and a shift in the board’s political makeup.
Who is Jason Adams?
Adams brings 28 years of experience in teaching and administrative roles in Garland and Chicago.
He began his career teaching in Garland before moving to Chicago, where he continued teaching, then returned to the Garland school district. Adams was a teacher, assistant principal and principal at Beaver Technology Center, a nationally recognized STEM magnet campus known for innovation, project-based learning and sustained academic growth, according to information from Grapevine-Colleyville.
Under his leadership, the campus earned National Title I recognition and was designated an Apple Distinguished School.
Adams later moved into central administration as executive director of leadership, supporting principals across a network of campuses and leading school improvement efforts.
His academic credentials include a bachelor of education from Illinois State University, a master of educational leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a doctor of education in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas at Austin.
What Adams is saying
“I am honored and humbled to be named the lone finalist for Superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community,” Adams said in a news release.
“GCISD’s tradition of excellence, strong community support, and deep commitment to students make this district truly special,” he said.
Adams also emphasized continuity, telling the district he wants to build on what’s already in place.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, staff, families, and community to build on that strong foundation and continue creating opportunities for every student to grow, succeed, and thrive in school and beyond graduation. I am excited to serve the GCISD community and work side by side with stakeholders to continue building on the district’s legacy of excellence,” Adams said.
What the board is saying
Board president Dalia Begin, who was named to the position earlier this week, said Adams stood out throughout the search.
“Throughout this process, his outstanding commitment to students and clear vision for educational excellence truly stood out. We are confident he will build strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to provide exceptional opportunities for every child,” Begin said.
How the district reached this decision
Grapevine-Colleyville conducted a community survey and held nine forums during the superintendent search. More than 720 people took part in the survey, and “dozens” attended the forums, the district said.
Feedback indicated families and staff wanted strong leadership, clear and honest communication and a commitment to students and staff.
Candidate alleges name was leaked during search, a state law violation
In April, former Grapevine-Colleyville principal James Whitfield — now superintendent of Treetops School International in Euless — told the Star-Telegram that his name was “leaked” as one of the candidates applying for the job. State law, under Section 552.126 of the Texas Government Code, protects the names of superintendent applicants from disclosure before a finalist is announced, even through open records requests.
Whitfield was the first Black principal at Colleyville Heritage High School in 2020. He was placed on leave a year later after a board candidate accused him at a board meeting of promoting critical race theory. He and the district parted ways in 2023.
A district navigating change
The past year has been an unsettled one in GCISD. The district faced sustained opposition from parents, students and Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate over the closing of two well-regarded elementary campuses — Bransford in Colleyville and Dove Elementary in Grapevine.
The board’s political makeup has also shifted. Three conservative candidates lost their seats in the May 2 election, and Begin was named board president.
Adams will succeed Brad Schnautz, who resigned last November to become executive director of the Region XI Education Service Center.