QCISD hires new Superintendent

The Queen City ISD School Board held a special called meeting Thursday night. All members were present when Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Williams read her official voluntary retirement agreement, a formality which was unanimously accepted, to be effective January 31, 2021.

Dr. Williams previously announced her wish to retire and stayed long enough to help the board find a suitable replacement. She will continue to make herself available as needed to ensure a smooth transition.

After a brief closed session, the board formally hired Darrian Dover as the new superintendent of schools. His annual salary of $125,000 plus insurance premiums and a $3,000 moving expense was unanimously approved.

Superintendent Dover is coming from Lubbock area where he was secondary principal at Aspermont High School and has been an educator for 28 years. The Hillsboro native is a graduate of Tarleton State University and holds a Masters from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

“After visiting everyone here I know it’s probably going to be easier to follow a grease fire than try to fill her shoes,” Dover said about taking over for Dr. Williams.

“My intent for this semester is not to make or expect any big changes,” he added. “I want to learn the district and get to know the staff and develop a relationship with each person.”

Dr. Williams attended Queen City schools from kindergarten through graduation. She has spent her entire 29-year career in the district.

“I’ve had in mind for a long time exactly when I wanted to retire,” she said. “I had some great teachers and coworkers that have encouraged me along the way: Jean Stow Cotton, Bobbie Wright, Robbie Barnwell, Jackie Purtle, Becky Collom, Pam Shirley, Gail Miller, Karen Tromza, Dr. Darrell Floyd, and many others.”

Listed among the things she was most proud of was the “responsible financial management the board exercised for the tax people and maintaining unity in the community.”

Dover said he and his wife, Stacey, are excited about moving to the East side of the state. “For years we’ve talked about buying an RV and living in it,” he said. “We still have about a decade or more to go, but we’ve got the RV and we are ready to move here.”

“I have one plea for the people in the district,” Dr. Williams implored. “Be open-minded; bring him into the community and embrace his fresh eyes. He is extremely qualified.”

Dover and Stacey have two grown sons: Derek, 27, is in restaurant management; and Bryce, 24, works for a financial institution.