What Grapevine-Colleyville parents should know about superintendent finalist
Grapevine-Colleyville parents, meet the man who could be leading your children’s schools by mid-June.
GCISD trustees voted unanimously May 22 to name Jason Adams, a deputy superintendent from the Garland school district, as the lone finalist for superintendent. Adams brings 28 years of experience in teaching and administrative roles in the Garland and Chicago school districts.
Under Texas law, the school board must wait 21 days before officially hiring Adams. That confirmation vote is scheduled for the June 15 board meeting.
What parents should know about Jason Adams
For families wondering who will guide GCISD through its next chapter, Adams’ background offers some early clues about his approach to education.
He began his career as a teacher in Garland before moving to Chicago to continue teaching, then returned to the Garland school district. Much of his administrative experience comes from Beaver Technology Center, a nationally recognized STEM magnet campus described by GCISD as known for innovation, project-based learning and sustained academic growth.
During his time there, the campus earned National Title I recognition and was designated an Apple Distinguished School — credentials that suggest a leader comfortable with technology integration and innovative teaching models.
Adams later took on a broader administrative role as executive director of leadership, where he supported principals across what the district described as a diverse network of campuses and led 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.
In his own words
In a statement released by Grapevine-Colleyville, , Adams emphasized partnership and community as central to his approach.
“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. “GCISD’s tradition of excellence, strong community support, and deep commitment to students make this district truly special.”
He also emphasized his intent to collaborate with families and staff: “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.”
Board president Dalia Begin pointed to Adams’ communication style and student focus as deciding factors.
“Throughout this process, his outstanding commitment to students and clear vision for educational excellence truly stood out,” Begin said. “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.”
How parents shaped the search
GCISD families had a direct hand in defining what trustees looked for. During the search process, the district conducted a survey and held nine community forums.
More than 720 people participated in the survey, and the district said dozens attended the forums. Feedback consistently pointed to three priorities: strong leadership, clear and honest communication and a commitment to students and staff.
A search shadowed by controversy
The selection process wasn’t without bumps. In April, former Grapevine-Colleyville principal James Whitfield, now superintendent of Treetops School International in Euless, told the Star-Telegram that his name had been “leaked” as a candidate. That disclosure would violate Section 552.126 of the Texas Government Code, which shields superintendent applicants’ names from being made public before a finalist is named.
Whitfield became 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.
The new superintendent also inherits a district still recovering from the contentious decision to close two well-regarded elementary campuses — Bransford in Colleyville and Dove Elementary in Grapevine. Those closures drew sharp opposition from parents, students and Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate.
The board itself has shifted politically. Three conservative candidates lost their seats in the May 2 election, and Begin was named board president.
What happens next
Adams will succeed Brad Schnautz, who resigned in November to become executive director of the Region XI Education Service Center.
The 21-day waiting period required by state law gives the community time to learn more about Adams before the board’s expected June 15 vote to formally hire him. For families navigating questions about programming, school configurations and how the district communicates with parents, that meeting will mark the start of a new chapter at GCISD.