Following Sharon Boothe's retirement announcement in mid-November, the Greenville ISD Board of Trustees convened in a specially called meeting today to name Dr. Laurie Hitzelberger as the Interim Superintendent. Dr. Hitzelberger, with an impressive 34-year career in education, is poised to assume her new role on Tuesday, December 5.
Boothe's departure paved the way for Dr. Hitzelberger, who brings a wealth of experience to the position. Having previously served as the Interim Chief of Teaching and Learning in Greenville ISD during the 2021-22 school year, her familiarity with the district is seen as an asset.
Dr. Hitzelberger's educational journey includes 17 years in Ector County ISD (Odessa, TX), with roles encompassing ESL, Special Education, and Gifted and Talented education. She has also served in El Paso ISD, Highland Park ISD, and Ft. Worth ISD as an instructional coach and principal at the elementary and middle school levels.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return to Greenville ISD, Dr. Hitzelberger stated, “My ultimate goal is for every student to develop their full potential and have many choices available to them when they graduate.” She is eager to collaborate with the Greenville community in ensuring an exceptional education for all students.
Board President Aletha Kruse commended Dr. Hitzelberger's extensive knowledge, emphasizing its importance in advancing Greenville ISD’s academic goals and initiatives. “We are blessed to have her join our GISD team. The board and I look forward to working with her in ensuring a smooth transition,” added Kruse.
Dr. Hitzelberger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas Permian Basin. She further earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hitzelberger is a family person, married with five children, including a son, a daughter, and three step-sons. Her family has expanded to include two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and four grandpuppies. In her leisure time, she enjoys music, art, reading, travel, and golf.
