Executive Director Search

After more than 42 years in Texas public education and 13 years leading ESC Region 11, Dr. Clyde W. Steelman Jr. has announced his retirement, effective January 31, 2026. Known for his servant leadership, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to students and educators, Dr. Steelman has helped shape the success of districts and charter schools across 10 counties.

The board of directors, with the support of a search firm, is now seeking the next Executive Director to build on this strong foundation and guide the service center into its next chapter of innovation and partnership.

July 21, 2025 | Dr. Clyde Steelman Jr. Retirement Announcement News Release 

November 21, 2025 | ESC Region 11 Board of Directors Names Dr. Brad Schnautz as Executive Director

Board of Directors Names Dr. Brad Schnautz as Executive Director

November 21, 2025 | The Education Service Center Region 11 Board of Trustees unanimously named Dr. Brad Schnautz as executive director on Friday, November 21, 2025, bringing a leader with 23 years of education experience to help propel the region into a new era of service and impact.

Dr. Schnautz joins ESC Region 11 after serving as superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (GCISD), where he earned a reputation as a strong instructional leader who strengthened the district’s long-standing traditions of academic excellence and success in fine arts and athletics. He originally joined GCISD in 2017 as Deputy Superintendent, where he led all PreK–12 instructional programs as well as athletics and fine arts. During his six years supporting executive directors, directors, and principals, GCISD continued to thrive as one of the state’s highest-performing districts.

Dr. Schnautz began his career in 2002 as a math teacher and coach in Bryan ISD. He later taught and coached in Conroe ISD and Magnolia ISD before transitioning into campus leadership in 2008. His administrative experience includes serving as a high school assistant principal, junior high principal, and high school principal in Magnolia ISD. In 2015, he was selected as superintendent of Lexington ISD, where he led the district until accepting the deputy superintendent role in GCISD.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Region 11 community,” said Dr. Schnautz. “This region reflects the true diversity and strength of Texas schools, and I am inspired by the educators who work every day on behalf of more than half a million students. As we move forward, my focus will be on listening, collaborating, and ensuring that our services meet the unique needs of every district and charter we support. Together, we will continue building solutions that make a meaningful difference for North Texas.”

As executive director, Dr. Schnautz will guide ESC Region 11 through a period marked by rapid regional growth and increasing demand for high-impact, responsive services. As districts navigate enrollment shifts, workforce challenges, and heightened accountability expectations, ESC Region 11 plays a crucial role in helping schools adapt and continue to provide exceptional educational experiences. Dr. Schnautz will lead efforts to expand service offerings, deepen partnerships, and ensure that the Service Center remains a trusted resource for educators across its ten-county region.

Dr. Schnautz earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education in Administration from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Schnautz and his wife, Jenny, have been married for 25 years and have four children: Abby, Mary, Lucy, and Will.

ESC Region 11 is one of 20 education service center regions in Texas. It serves 10 counties in north-central Texas, supporting 76 traditional public school districts and more than 90 charter school campuses.

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