10 Questions with GISD Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil

Devin Padavil was inspired to pursue a career in education after one of his high school teachers helped turn his life around and gave him a sense of direction. An educator for the last 22 years, Dr. Padavil came to Georgetown ISD after serving as Taylor ISD superintendent, area superintendent in Leander ISD, and assistant superintendent for secondary schools in Fort Bend ISD. He has also served as principal of 5A Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco as well as principal of 6A Hendrickson High School and Kelly Lane Middle School in Pflugerville.

In 2016-2017, Dr. Padavil was named president of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, the largest state association of principals in the nation. He enjoys giving back to the Georgetown community by serving as a member of the Georgetown Rotary and on the board for The Georgetown Project. Dr. Padavil and his wife Deanne live in Georgetown and he has two children, a daughter who is attending Texas A&M to study physics and a son who is a high school sophomore.

  • The best leaders support their teams by defining expectations and empowering them to get it done!
  • I define a great organizational culture as one that focuses on the needs of the end customer: our families!
  • One thing I try to do every day is read, pray, and be grateful.
  • I feel most alive when I see people I have helped thrive in life and work.
  • To avoid distractions I put on headphones or find a quiet place to be still.
  • I handle negativity by remembering that being criticized and encountering pressure is actually an honor. Pressure is part of the package with leadership.
  • One thing that is difficult for me but I enjoy is down time. I can’t turn my mind off easily.
  • My best advice for handling change is remembering that not everyone has a 10-gallon bucket to carry the water to the destination. Get a good look at everyone’s individual bucket.
  • In ten years I hope to be  proud of what the current me did.
  • I define success as serving and growing others.