FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, TX – May 14, 2026 — The Huntsville Independent School District Board of Trustees has named Travis Fanning as the Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools.
Fanning currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Beeville ISD, where he has led the district since 2020. He brings 25 years of experience in public education, including more than 21 years of administrative experience and more than five years as a superintendent.
“On behalf of the Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees, we are excited to name Travis Fanning as the Lone Finalist for Superintendent,” said Ken Holland, President of the Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees. “Mr. Fanning brings a strong record of student-centered leadership, academic improvement, community engagement, and responsible district stewardship. We believe his experience, values, and commitment to public education make him the right leader to help guide the next chapter of Huntsville ISD.”
Dr. Jill Siler, Deputy Executive Director for Professional Learning with the Texas Association of School Administrators, described Fanning as a leader who not only has a clear vision for public education, but also invests deeply in the people around him.
“One thing that sets Travis Fanning apart from others is not only his vision for public education, but for how he pours into those he works with to achieve those goals,” Siler said. “He is deeply committed to building leadership capacity across the organization, empowering others to grow and make a meaningful impact in service of students and staff.”
During Fanning’s tenure as superintendent, Beeville ISD improved student performance and increased its state accountability rating, reflecting the district’s focus on instruction, student support, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Fanning also helped guide Beeville ISD through a successful $62 million bond initiative approved by voters in 2024. The bond supports major facility improvements, including the construction of a new elementary school, and reflects his experience with long-range planning, community engagement, and responsible stewardship of district resources.
Fanning’s leadership has been recognized throughout his career. He was named Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Secondary Principal of the Year, has been nominated three times for Region 2 Superintendent of the Year, and under his leadership, Beeville ISD received the 2025 Award of Financial Excellence.
Throughout his career, Fanning has served in a variety of public education roles, including mathematics teacher, campus administrator, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. His professional experience includes leadership in Galena Park ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and Beeville ISD.
During the superintendent search process, Fanning emphasized the importance of student voice, strong relationships, high expectations, and a productive partnership between the Board of Trustees and superintendent. He describes honesty, trust, transparency, and consistency as essential components of that relationship.
Fanning earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Science in Educational Management from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. He is also pursuing his doctoral degree at Baylor University. Fanning is a first-generation college graduate, an experience that informs his commitment to expanding opportunity, access, and student success.
Under Texas law, school districts must provide public notice of the name of the finalist or finalists being considered for superintendent at least 21 days before a final vote on employment may occur.
The Board looks forward to welcoming Fanning and his family to the Huntsville ISD community as the district begins this exciting next chapter for students, staff, families, and the community.