Winnsboro ISD hires new interim superintendent following predecessor’s resignation

WINNSBORO, Texas (KLTV) - The Winnsboro ISD School Board hired Chris Trotter as interim superintendent Monday following the resignation of Jeff Conovan last month.

Conovan resigned after being hired in February. Dr. Cody Holloway served as acting superintendent prior to Conovan’s appointment.

The board met in closed session for about an hour and a half before they announced their decision to hire Trotter.

Trotter went to school in Winnsboro and previously served as a superintendent for Cleveland ISD, which is near Houston.

“I’m glad the board has given me the honor to come back as interim superintendent,” Trotter said.

The board’s move comes after former superintendent Brian Wilcox, and Aaron Nation, who became superintendent in January, were arrested and charged with failure to report child abuse. Two former coaches with the district, Jared Lancaster and Nicolas Gabriele, were previously taken into custody. According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Gabriele admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Trotter said he’s aiming to create an action plan to retain and recruit teachers.

“There’s been some staff turnover, so we’re going to make sure that we have qualified educators in the classroom for the first day of school,” Trotter said.

Board President Brandon Green did not want to talk on camera but said to expect a statement from the district soon.

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