Ferris ISD names new superintendent

FERRIS – The Ferris ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously earlier this month to name a new superintendent to fill the district’s recent vacancy.

Hector Madrigal, Superintendent of Karnes City ISD, was the lone finalist for the Ferris ISD role.

Madrigal has served as the superintendent of Karnes City ISD since 2019.

He has seen quite a few accomplishments during that time earning KCISD TEA distinctions in multiple areas.

It was also notable at the announcement that in Karnes City he also increased the general fund balance, reduced recapture payment, increased enrollment, improved school FIRST rating from an F in 2018 to an A in 2022 and passed a $22 million bond.

Madrigal also worked together with the KCISD Board of Trustees to improve employee benefits during his tenure, which included raises each year for teachers, professional staff and paraprofessional staff, increased stipends, and retention incentives each year.

The Ferris ISD School Board were given over a dozen applications to look through from the search firm Arrow Educational Services who led the search for the districts new superintendent. 

There was not a total number of applications they received given, but the board selected their top five candidates, and Madrigal was the final choice.

T.J. Knight, the acting ISD Interim Superintendent, will return to his duties as deputy superintendent overseeing day to day operations for the district.

“Ferris ISD is excited to welcome Mr. Hector Madrigal and his family to our community,” Knight said.

“We are excited to work hand in hand to make improvements for our students and staff.”

Prior to serving at KCISD, Madrigal served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for San Benito CISD. He has also served as campus administrator at Bowie ISD, Cumby ISD, Mexia ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and La Joya ISD.

His educational career began at Sharyland High School, where he served as a Spanish teacher/football and head track coach.

Prior to teaching, he was a US border patrol agent.

Madrigal grew up in San Isidro, Texas and he graduated from Sharyland ISD. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Tarleton State University, his master’s degree in educational administration from UT Pan American, and he is currently working towards his doctorate degree.