WISD names Rebecca ‘Becky’ McCutchen as its lone finalist for superintendent
The Waxahachie ISD board of trustees named Rebecca “Becky” McCutchen as its lone finalist for superintendent during a called meeting on April 9. (Editor’s note: McCutchen is no relation to school board member Judd McCutchen).
“After a statewide search and two rounds of interviews, we as a board selected Rebecca McCutchen. The board is very excited for Ms. McCutchen to join WISD, especially with the years of extensive experience that she possesses,” said Dusty Autrey, WISD board president.
McCutchen has 28 years of experience in public education, of which 17 have been in administration, with 10 as a superintendent. For the past 3-1/2 years, she has served Levelland ISD's superintendent.
“I am honored to be named the lone finalist for the superintendent position at Waxahachie ISD,” McCutchen said. “The district has a longstanding tradition of excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities and is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking districts in the state. The unwavering support and pride of the community play a vital role in the district's continued success. I look forward to joining the Waxahachie ISD family and contributing to the ongoing growth and achievement of the district and students. We are Hachie!”
Prior to serving in Levelland, McCutchen served as superintendent at Alpine ISD beginning in 2015. She served as a director of special education from 2008-2015 and as an educational diagnostician from 2005-2008 with that district.
McCutchen began her career in education as an agriculture classroom teacher in 1997, serving with Culberson County-Allamoore, Midland, and Sierra Blanca ISDs through 2005, when she joined Alpine.
During her classroom years, McCutchen taught agriculture-science, science, biology, journalism, and SPED. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education from Sul Ross State University before receiving her principal and superintendent’s certifications from Sul Ross University.
She was a Texas Top Five Superintendent of the Year finalist in 2020, when she was also named 2020 Superintendent of the Year by the Region 18 Service Center. She served as president of the Texas Association of Rural Schools from 2018-2020 and has held various leadership positions for additional education boards and committees.
McCutchen is proficient in Spanish: speaking, reading, and writing. She has two grown children, Garrett and April Watley. One of her hobbies is team roping with her family.
“Waxahachie ISD is very fortunate to have Becky McCutchen join our team,” WISD acting superintendent, Dr. David Averett, said. “I am excited to learn from her vast experience and work alongside her to take WISD into the future. Please join me in welcoming her into our WISD family and the Waxahachie community.”
The process to select WISD’s new superintendent began in January, when the board hired the firm Walsh Gallegos to facilitate the search. In February, a community-wide survey that was distributed in a number of ways provided feedback on the desired characteristics for a new superintendent.
In mid-March, Walsh Gallegos shared the survey results with the board of trustees, with applications accepted through March 13. The board, with the help of Walsh Gallegos, then reviewed and discussed the applications, with interviews conducted in late March and early April.
The board’s lone finalist recommendation begins a 21-day waiting period required under Texas law. The board is expected to vote on the final selection on or after April 30. Once approved, McCutchen will become the next superintendent.
For more information about Waxahachie ISD, visit www.wisd.org.
