For Immediate Release:
Dr. Michael Goddard Named Lone Finalist for Lovejoy ISD Superintendent
Allen, Texas – June 4, 2019
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The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Michael Goddard as the lone finalist for the district’s superintendent position.
Dr. Goddard has served as the Superintendent of Red Oak ISD, in Red Oak, Texas for the past two years, where the district was named a Semi-Finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award, is currently ranked the highest in Red Oak ISD history in the UIL Lone Star Cup, and earned the highest amount of scholarship money ($13 million) in history for its students. He is a nationally certified trainer for Vital Smarts - Crucial Conversations & Crucial Accountability as well as an internationally certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, and Coach. He is a highly sought out keynote speaker and speaks often at national and regional conferences.
The state requires a 21-day waiting period after which trustees are expected to offer Dr. Michael Goddard a contract for employment.
“I am excited to return back home and reconnect with the Lovejoy ISD family and community. Lovejoy ISD has established itself as a premier district in the state and nation, and I was excited to have been a part of the foundational work that went into launching Lovejoy ISD to where it is today. The brightest days for Lovejoy ISD are ahead,” said Goddard in a statement issued after being named the lone finalist.
Dr. Goddard is a current top 12 nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, and he has a passion for life and impacting all those around him. Just one way he impacts others is through the connections he makes with both students and staff alike. From his crazy socks, fun lapel pins, Mickey Mouse hands, and friendly demeanor, he loves to be at the campuses interacting with students and staff. He is on a mission to lift those around him to reach their highest potential.
For the past 30 years, Dr. Goddard has been working with youth. He started his professional journey as Director at T Bar M Youth Camps and Resorts, an Area Representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a National Spokesperson for the One Way 2 Play-Drug Free Program. He then moved into public education and spent the next 19 years in various roles, including Teacher, Summer School Principal, Dean of Students, Associate Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. He was the first Principal at Lovejoy High School, where he established traditions, developed the graduate profile and developed programs that still impact students even today. He graduated the first Lovejoy High School class in 2010, where they won multiple state championships and the first UIL Lone Star Cup. His top priority to see students succeed at high levels in all aspects of their lives.
Board President Chad Collins said the district quickly narrowed the field of candidates to four potential superintendents from a total talent pool of 65 applicants. “Dr. Goddard embodies the qualities and traits of the profile our community expects in their next Superintendent. Dr. Goddard’s vision for our district and his passion for kids, staff, and community will be positive and contagious. With his leadership, Lovejoy’s brightest days are ahead.” said Collins.
The board spent 3 days interviewing candidates over the course of two rounds of interviews.
Board Vice-President Amy Smith added, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Goddard back to the Lovejoy family. His leadership, passion and character is exactly what our district needs to unify and continue to build what is best for all kids.”
Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees
Chad Collins, President
Amy Smith, Vice-President
Anne Smith, Secretary
Scott Christiansen, Trustee
Matt Gournay, Trustee
Jennifer Kline, Trustee
Al Litchenburg, Trustee
