Azle ISD is pleased to announce that Jessica Hanson has been selected as the district’s Executive Director of Educational Leadership, replacing Mark Kehoe who is retiring in December after 38 years in education.
Hanson has served as Coordinator of Recruitment, Retention, and Compensation in the district’s Human Resources department since 2022. She served as a campus administrator for nine years before transitioning to district administration. With 16 years in education, her previous roles include campus principal, assistant principal, RtI/MTSS coordinator, special education teacher, and elementary teacher.
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas, master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University, and will complete her superintendent certification from Lamar University in January. Hanson is also a Power of Positive Leadership Trainer of Trainers.
“I am pleased to have Jessica Hanson serving in this role,” said Superintendent Todd Smith. “Mrs. Hanson was always an innovative thinker in her role as a campus principal and central office administrator, and in her current role, she has used her skills to improve our talent retention and recruitment district-wide,” said Smith. “Azle ISD has been a trailblazer in key areas related to human resources, and a lot of this is a result of Jessica’s passion and energy for culture, growing others, and leadership development.”
Hanson and her husband Troy are proud to be a part of the Azle Hornet community. They have three daughters who have all attended Azle ISD since kindergarten, and two very lively Labrador Retrievers.
“I love Azle ISD, and am inspired by the dynamic leaders that serve the students in our district and our superintendent who trusts and empowers each leader to do what is best for our students and their families,” said Hanson. “The call to leadership is never about the position, but the duty to serve, and I will strive to do my best every day to serve the students, parents/guardians, teachers, staff, and administrators in Azle ISD.”
Congratulations, Jessica!