After launching an extensive state and national search, the Granbury ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously on December 16, 2024 to name veteran educator Courtney Morawski, Ed.D., as the lone finalist for GISD superintendent of schools.
Dr. Ann Dixon is currently serving as the district’s interim superintendent. State law requires a 21-day waiting period following the naming of a lone finalist before officially hiring a superintendent.
“I am deeply honored to be named the lone finalist for Granbury ISD superintendent,” said Dr. Morawski. “This district’s commitment to student success, innovation, and community engagement strongly aligns with my values and leadership approach. Across my career, I have prioritized fostering collaborative cultures, building relationships based on trust and transparency, and advancing high-quality teaching and learning—principles that will continue to guide me in Granbury ISD. I look forward to partnering with the Board, staff, and community to build on the district’s strong foundation and achieve even greater success together.”
A native of Mansfield, Dr. Courtney Morawski is an accomplished district leader with over 20 years in education and a track record of improving student academic outcomes and developing people in districts ranging in size from 10,000 to 35,000 students. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent at Fayetteville Public Schools in Arkansas, where she has led transformative initiatives, including the development of a district-wide curriculum system, leadership development programs, and strategic community partnerships. Under her leadership, schools have achieved significant academic gains, and district systems have been reimagined to better serve students and staff.
Dr. Morawski has spent the last seven years with Arkansas Public Schools where her husband, Dr. Terry Morawski, currently serves as superintendent of Fort Smith Public Schools. Prior to Fayetteville, she was the Executive Director of Middle Level Education for Bentonville School District and the Director of Professional Learning for Fort Smith Public Schools. Dr. Morawski’s public education career began in her home state of Texas where she served a combined eight years in Mansfield ISD as an elementary and secondary teacher and later an assistant principal. She also served as an assistant principal and elementary principal in Judson ISD (San Antonio).
"The Granbury ISD Board of Trustees are excited and honored to welcome Dr. Courtney Morawski to GISD and embark on a new chapter for our district," said Courtney Gore, President of the GISD Board of Trustees. "Her passion for education, developing innovative systems and commitment to improving student outcomes will be instrumental in driving our district forward and ensuring the success of all students.”
“Under Dr. Courtney Morawski’s guidance, Granbury ISD looks forward to enhancing the educational experience for all students, empowering teachers, and strengthening the community's engagement with the district,” added Gore.
Throughout the interview and selection process for a new superintendent, the Granbury ISD Board of Trustees emphasized the importance of staff and community feedback through surveys to help create a profile for the next superintendent. Prior to naming a lone finalist, Trustees evaluated each candidate with the priorities and characteristics the community and staff identified as important for the next district leader.
“This search attracted over 50 strong applicants from eight different states,” said Dr. Russell Marshall of search firm Arrow Educational Services, Inc. “The Board did an outstanding job of narrowing the candidates and worked in harmony to reach a unanimous choice. Dr. Morawski is a dynamic leader that will work alongside the current staff and help lead GISD to the next level.”
A graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Morawski also holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Dr. Morawski is an active member of Women Leading Ed and The Forum for Educational Leadership, as well as completing the AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Female Leaders and the Arkansas Aspiring Superintendents Program, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.
She and her husband, Terry, have been married for 25 years. Together, they have two sons, Jackson (21) and Lane (19). Jackson recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in computer science. He is engaged to his high school sweetheart, and they will be married in the spring. Lane is a sophomore at the University of Central Arkansas and pursuing an accounting degree.
