Snyder ISD Superintendent announces retirement

For Immediate Release

Snyder ISD Superintendent Announces Retirement

Snyder, TX, November 12, 2021 - After 29 years in education and 20 years as a superintendent, Dr. Eddie Band, Snyder ISD Superintendent of Schools, informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire at the end of this school year.  

 

Before moving to Snyder, Dr. Bland had spent 11 years with Bridgeport ISD. In 2017, Dr. Bland came to Snyder ISD with the mindset to make a difference.  Through his tenure at Snyder ISD, he has seen the district improve both in programs and ratings. 

“I want to thank the Board of Trustees, our staff, and our community for the trust they have placed in me for the past four-plus years.  Together we have advanced the mission of our district and potential for our students - of course, it didn’t come without challenges along the way,” said Bland.  “However, as you have heard me say many times, with adversity comes opportunity. During my time here, we have successfully navigated a path filled with ample opportunities. Snyder ISD has proven to be a resilient school district, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished together.”  

Under his leadership, Snyder ISD has improved its state ratings year after year.  With the Career, College, and Military initiative, Snyder High School earned a P-Tech (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) designation from TEA  providing students with a seamless path from high school, to post-secondary education, to employment. Snyder High School launched ten P-Tech pathways allowing students to earn industry certifications and internships in automotive technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, law enforcement, oil and gas production, programming and software development, renewable energy, teaching, and welding. 

The CTE program was elevated to the next level with the purchase of a commercial greenhouse.  It has since become a teaching and research facility and successful student-based enterprise providing opportunities to students from Pre-K through 12th grade.  During a recent visit to Snyder to recognize one of our students and the Evergreen Research and Retail Greenhouse, Texas Association of Community Schools Executive Director Barry Haenisch said, “Some of the hardest things that superintendents have to do is introduce projects that seem a little outside of the norm. I want to congratulate you all for being forward-thinking and understanding where education is going.”    

The district partnership with Western Texas College graduated the first cohort of five dual-credit students with both an Associates Degree and High School Diploma in May of 2017. The dual-credit program has since grown and is on track to graduate 23 students this year.  

At their meeting, the Snyder ISD Board of Trustees expressed their appreciation to Bland for his commitment to the district, students, and the community.  “We’ve come a long way. I think the district is in a better place now,” said Ralph Ramon, Snyder ISD Board of Trustees President. “Dr. Bland has helped move a mountain.  From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you.” 

The Board of Trustees will begin discussing the process to select a new superintendent.

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