Amy Dill is shifting to a new administrative role within the Houston School District.
Dill, who has been principal at Houston Elementary School since 2010, was hired during a special board meeting Tuesday night as the new director of the Exceptional Child Education Cooperative. She replaces Lillian Collins, who announced her retirement two weeks earlier.
“This is something she wanted,” said Superintendent Scott Dill, who is Amy’s husband. “Her heart is really in special education.”
The cooperative is comprised of special education specialists and serves 13 area school districts. The director is an employee of Houston Schools and meets weekly with Scott Dill as part of the administrative team.
Scott Dill said he will assemble a six-person committee of elementary teachers to assist with the search for the next principal. He said Amy Dill will also assist with the process.
“This is double-edged sword,” Scott Dill said. “It’s good for the cooperative. They need a strong leader over there. The services the cooperative offers are invaluable. They work with our highest needs students.
“But at the same time, Mrs. Dill was a tremendous asset. She consistently moved students and teachers forward and was a good communicator with parents. There are big shoes to fill.”
Amy Dill’s transition led to additional moves within the elementary building. A new position – process coordinator – has been created to handle special education paperwork and other roles she previously handled. Scott Dill said doing so eliminated the need for an elementary assistant principal. That job, which was created in 2013 and filled by Roger Brallier, will be consolidated.
Houston Schools is now searching for two building administrators. Terry Mayfield, the middle school principal, resigned on March 10. Dill said the district has received 18 applications for Mayfield’s position. A committee comprised of 13 teachers will begin interviews soon.
“I want the community to know we will take our time and find the right leaders for these buildings,” Scott Dill said. “We have a lot of good work left to do here in Houston.”