Following a comprehensive, community‑driven search process, the Lorena Independent School District Board of Trustees has officially approved Dr. Theodore “Teddy” Clevenger as the district’s next superintendent of schools.

On May 26, the Board took final action after the required 21‑day waiting period, concluding a deliberate selection process grounded in extensive community input and careful evaluation.

Dr. Clevenger joins Lorena ISD from Bartlett ISD, where he has served as superintendent since 2019. He brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, including 13 years in district and campus leadership roles. His background includes service as a superintendent, high school and middle school principal, classroom teacher, and coach, with broad experience overseeing academics, finance, facilities, operations, and school safety.

A Community‑Driven Search Process

In February, the Lorena ISD Board partnered with TASB Executive Search Services to ensure a thorough and transparent superintendent search rooted in stakeholder input. The search process included community listening sessions, meetings with staff and district leadership, and an online survey open to parents, staff, students, administrators, and community members.

Feedback gathered through these efforts was used to develop a leadership profile that guided candidate recruitment, application screening, and reference checks. The Board reviewed applications, conducted first‑ and second‑round interviews, and evaluated finalists against the leadership criteria established by the community.

“The Board was intentional about listening to our community and taking the time necessary to make the right decision for Lorena ISD,” said Board President Dr. Denny Kramer. “Throughout the search process, Dr. Clevenger consistently demonstrated alignment with the qualities and priorities our stakeholders identified, and the Board is confident in his ability to lead the district forward.”

Alignment with Community Priorities

Community feedback identified several priority areas for the next superintendent, including strategic, student‑centered leadership; clear and transparent communication; and strong relationship‑building to strengthen community trust.

Dr. Clevenger’s experience aligns with those priorities in several ways:

• Student‑Centered and Strategic Leadership: As superintendent of Bartlett ISD, Dr. Clevenger led academic improvement efforts and long‑range planning initiatives focused on student success. Under his leadership, the district achieved its first‑ever “B” academic rating from the Texas Education Agency and continued progress toward higher performance.
  
  
• Fiscal Responsibility and Operational Oversight: He has led districts through balanced budgets, maintained healthy fund balances, and overseen major facility projects, including bond planning and implementation, grant funding, and district operations.
  
  
• Communication and Transparency: Clevenger has emphasized clear, consistent communication through regular updates, campus visibility, newsletters, and Facebook Live forums designed to make district communication accessible to working families and community members.
  
  
• Relationship Building and Community Trust: Feedback highlighted the importance of presence, approachability, and respect for Lorena’s traditions. Dr. Clevenger is known for being highly visible on campuses and at activities, building strong leadership teams, and fostering collaborative relationships across school communities.

“I am honored by the Lorena ISD Board’s decision and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Dr. Teddy Clevenger. “Lorena is a special community with strong traditions, and I look forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and the Board to support continued success for the district.”

Background

Dr. Clevenger holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Change and is certified in Texas as a superintendent and principal. His career includes leadership roles in Bartlett ISD, Teague ISD, Normangee ISD, and Temple ISD, as well as teaching and coaching at Harker Heights High School in Killeen. He has served in regional leadership roles through ESC Region 13 and professional education organizations and is a deacon at Bartlett First Baptist Church.

Dr. Clevenger and his wife of 21 years, Stephanie, have two sons—Kaiden, a high school senior, and Hudson, an eighth grader.

Looking Ahead

The Lorena ISD Board of Trustees wishes to express its appreciation to the community, staff, and TASB Executive Search Services for their engagement and support throughout the search process.

“We believe this decision reflects the diligence of the search and the priorities our community so clearly shared,” Kramer said. “The Board looks forward to working with Dr. Clevenger as he leads Lorena ISD forward while honoring the district’s strong traditions and commitment to excellence.”