DeSoto ISD鈥檚 state-assigned conservator is looking to step down after three years.
AJ Crabill told the school board this week he is recommending the closure of his conservatorship. He shared parts of an email he sent to the Texas Education Agency in which he noted the district has 鈥済rown significantly in the areas of academics, talent and governance,鈥� and that his portion of the 鈥渙ngoing鈥� work of improving the district is done.
鈥淭he task of improving from acceptable performance to optimal performance in these areas is best accomplished by an effective, independent local board and superintendent team, not a conservator,鈥� Crabill said.
The TEA assigned Crabill as DeSoto鈥檚 conservator in 2020 after an audit found financial mismanagement and possible illegalities had led to a $21 million budget deficit.
The deficit forced then-Superintendent D鈥橝ndre Weaver to make major layoffs and close schools before he abruptly resigned. He was later reinstated under Crabill鈥檚 guidance.
Crabill spent the past three years helping the district reorganize staff and resources, reduce budget and spending, and rebuild its funds.
He lessened his role last year, shifting from an active conservator to a passive one.. He continued to monitor the district鈥檚 progress reporting to the agency as needed.
Speaking to the board this week, Crabill expressed how proud he was of the district鈥檚 improvements.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud of what we鈥檝e accomplished together improving student outcomes significantly since the pandemic, powerfully overhauling our support for our classroom educators, and making DeSoto ISD a model of governance for Texas and the nation,鈥� he said.
Crabill鈥檚 his term will end by Dec. 31.
