Tarrant County, TX (August 11, 2023) – IDEA Public Schools, a leading public charter school network committed to preparing all students for success in college and beyond, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rian Townsend as the Executive Director of IDEA Public Schools in Tarrant County. In this role, Townsend will oversee the day-to-day operations, academic achievement and develop strategies to enhance the region.
“Rian’s commitment to help students and educators thrive is what makes him an ideal fit for his new role as Executive Director,” said Jeffrey Cottrill, Ed.D., Superintendent & CEO of IDEA Public Schools. “Rian will provide empowering leadership to our Tarrant County region, making a lasting impact at IDEA Public Schools.”
For the past 13 years, Townsend previously served as an Executive Director of School Leadership for the Fort Worth Independent School District. During his time as an Executive Director, he supervised principals and worked closely with them to develop and implement school improvement plans, addressing areas that needed enhancement and ensuring continuous academic progress of students. Townsend earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University, and a Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Townsend succeeds Dr. Dionel Waters, who now serves IDEA as Area Superintendent overseeing Tarrant County, El Paso, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and Southern Louisiana regions.
For more information on IDEA Public Schools, please contact Lynnette Montemayor at lynnette.montemayor@ideapublicschools.org, or visit www.ideapublicschools.org.