Dr. 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, his wife Deanne, and their two children live in Georgetown. His daughter is studying physics at Texas A&M and his son is a sophomore in high school.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as GISD superintendent?
The underfunding of public schools has resulted in the complicated and distracting task of working towards a balanced budget. When 84 percent of your budget is people, closing the deficit involves painful decisions that can not be made quickly.
Could you talk about GISD’s student enrollment growth and its impact on the district?
Our growth is on target with what has been projected for us. I am so grateful for the community’s support of the 2024 bond because it will prepare our district for the next decade of growth. As we grow, it is important to protect Georgetown’s small-town and family-focused atmosphere while becoming the world-class school district for learning that our families deserve.
Could you talk about current or future school district projects and how they will benefit the district?
I am excited about two parallel projects. First, our team is working to continue improving the challenging academic experiences we can provide students so they are deep, critical thinkers that are ready to take on the world after high school. We know we give students the confidence to persist through challenges when they are able to master their academics. Second, I am excited about the expanded technical education courses and workforce opportunities we are providing high school kids. Our team is racing to meet the workforce skills needed for this decade and beyond.
What do you love most about being GISD’s superintendent?
I love Georgetown, Texas. This community truly feels like home and I am grateful for the welcoming atmosphere for my family. I love being able to support and care for the people of our school district so they can give their best to our students. Helping our team set the standard for learning, growth, and progress is the greatest honor of my career.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING SUPERINTENDENT?
I’m excited by the positive atmosphere and the feeling of connection throughout all of our schools. When you bring together talented adults that are aligned in thinking, we can do great things for our students. Ultimately, we measure ourselves by the successful experiences of Georgetown’s children and we have high expectations for what they can accomplish.