Austin Independent School District Executive and Leadership Team

Larry Throm, the Chief Financial Officer at Austin Independent School District, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning essential for sustaining high-quality educational programs. Managing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms to support college and career readiness initiatives. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and long-term planning to maintain the district's economic health. By optimizing budget distribution, Larry Throm directly influences the availability of social-emotional learning tools and academic materials. The Chief Financial Officer also works closely with the Board to ensure transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Through strategic financial management, Throm supports the district's mission to provide a rigorous learning environment. This leadership role requires balancing immediate operational needs with future growth objectives. Ultimately, Throm secures the financial stability necessary for the district to thrive within the competitive educational sector.

Deborah Warnken, the Chief Operating Officer at Austin Independent School District, manages the complex infrastructure and facility requirements necessary for a safe, healthy learning environment. Overseeing district-wide logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that physical school assets support the academic rigor required for student success. This role involves coordinating with maintenance teams to optimize resource allocation across all campuses. By streamlining operational workflows, Deborah Warnken directly impacts the daily functionality of classrooms. The Chief Operating Officer also collaborates with the Board to align facility upgrades with long-term educational goals. Through meticulous oversight of district operations, Warnken maintains the high standards expected within the regional education landscape. This leadership position demands constant attention to safety protocols and infrastructure efficiency, ensuring that every student receives support in a secure setting. Ultimately, Warnken secures the operational foundation required for academic excellence.

Melissa Haubrich, the President at Austin Independent School District, provides governance and strategic oversight to ensure the district meets its commitment to college and career readiness. Leading the Board, the President establishes policies that foster a safe and academically rigorous environment for all students. This role involves setting the vision for social-emotional learning initiatives that define the district's educational approach. By guiding policy decisions, Melissa Haubrich directly influences the long-term trajectory of student achievement. The President also engages with community stakeholders to ensure that district goals reflect the needs of the local population. Through consistent leadership, Haubrich maintains the integrity of the educational mission across all grade levels. This position requires balancing diverse perspectives to reach consensus on critical academic issues. Ultimately, Haubrich secures the strategic direction necessary for the district to remain a leader in providing high-quality, comprehensive education for every child.

Kay Suttle, the President at Austin Independent School District, oversees the implementation of governance frameworks that support the district's focus on life-ready education. Directing the Board's efforts, the President ensures that academic standards remain high and that social-emotional learning remains a central pillar of the curriculum. This role involves evaluating the effectiveness of district programs in preparing students for future success. By championing innovative educational policies, Kay Suttle directly impacts the quality of instruction provided in every classroom. The President also collaborates with executive leadership to address systemic challenges and improve student outcomes. Through dedicated oversight, Suttle maintains the district's reputation for academic excellence and safety. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the educational landscape and a commitment to equitable resource distribution. Ultimately, Suttle secures the policy foundation necessary for the district to fulfill its promise of preparing students for college, career, and life.

Ryman Barnes, the Special Education Teacher and President S. L. I. M. E. at Austin Independent School District, drives specialized instructional strategies that ensure inclusivity and academic growth for students with diverse needs. Overseeing the implementation of individualized learning plans, the Special Education Teacher and President S. L. I. M. E. ensures that every student receives the support required for college and career readiness. This role involves adapting curriculum materials to meet specific learning requirements while maintaining high academic standards. By fostering a supportive classroom environment, Ryman Barnes directly impacts the social-emotional development of students. The Special Education Teacher and President S. L. I. M. E. also collaborates with support staff to integrate specialized services into the broader educational framework. Through targeted instructional leadership, Barnes enhances the district's capacity to serve all learners effectively. This role requires constant adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the student population. Ultimately, Barnes secures equitable access to quality education.

Steven Outlaw, the President at Austin Independent School District, manages the strategic governance and policy development that define the district's commitment to academic excellence. Leading the Board, the President ensures that all initiatives align with the goal of preparing students for college, career, and life. This role involves overseeing the adoption of rigorous curricula and the integration of social-emotional learning across the district. By setting clear performance expectations, Steven Outlaw directly influences the quality of education delivered in every classroom. The President also works to ensure that district policies promote a safe and healthy environment for all students. Through consistent leadership, Outlaw maintains the focus on student-centered outcomes and community engagement. This position requires navigating complex educational challenges while upholding the district's core values. Ultimately, Outlaw secures the strategic framework necessary for the district to continue providing high-quality, comprehensive education to the entire student body.

LaKesha Drinks, the Chief of Staff at Austin Independent School District, coordinates executive communications and aligns administrative functions with the district's core mission. Facilitating collaboration between the Board and senior leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper execution across all departments. This role involves managing complex projects that bridge the gap between policy development and classroom implementation. By streamlining administrative processes, LaKesha Drinks directly enhances the efficiency of the district's leadership team. The Chief of Staff also monitors the progress of college and career readiness programs to ensure alignment with established goals. Through proactive management of executive priorities, Drinks maintains organizational focus on student outcomes. This leadership position requires exceptional organizational skills to navigate the demands of a large-scale educational institution. Ultimately, Drinks secures the internal alignment necessary for the district to achieve its academic and social-emotional objectives.