After more than three decades of dedicated service in Texas public education, Dr. Randal O’Brien, Superintendent of Goose Creek CISD, has announced his retirement. Dr. O’Brien has served Goose Creek CISD for 12 years, first as deputy superintendent in 2013 before becoming the district’s 15th superintendent in 2014. The Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees formally accepted his retirement during the June 19th school board meeting.
“I am deeply grateful for the support shown to me and my family as we have worked hard over the past decade, or more, to ensure that every student is provided a high-quality education. Having been a student who could have easily fallen between the cracks myself, I have worked tirelessly to create pathways of success for all students,” said Dr. O’Brien.
Dr. O’Brien’s educational career includes roles as teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent across Texas, making Goose Creek his capstone to a celebrated career. He holds degrees in business management, educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for student-focused leadership and community collaboration.
Recognized as a Superintendent of the Year nominee in both Region 12 and Region 4, Dr. O’Brien has championed his belief that leadership matters by serving in numerous leadership development academies and mentoring young aspiring administrators. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, helping to prepare the next generation of educational leaders.
Outside of education, Dr. O’Brien remains passionate about his role in community service through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and various other local service organizations in which he volunteers.
Under his leadership, Goose Creek CISD has made remarkable progress, including expanding Career and Technical Education programs, launching STEM and Early College initiatives, and enhancing local industry partnerships. Over his tenure, voters have approved over $600 million in school bond initiatives, which have provided new campuses, classroom expansions, safety upgrades, and district-wide technology improvements.
Also, during this time, the district has grown by nearly four thousand students and attained national recognition for its Career Academies, the implementation of AVID instructional practices, the innovative Early Childhood Learning Academies, and numerous athletic and fine arts advancement experiences for Goose Creek students.
Dr. O’Brien and his wife, Monica, also a retired educator, reside in Baytown and enjoy spending time with their family, including three adult children and three grandsons. As he steps away from his professional role this fall, he looks forward to devoting more time to his loved ones, traveling, enjoying outdoor recreation, and continuing to support public education in new ways.
“From early in my career, I knew my passion was creating opportunities for student success. My mother taught me that true leadership begins with integrity, and that, along with my faith, has guided my journey. I’ve been blessed with a supportive family, a visionary board, a brilliant executive team, devoted teachers, and a community that entrusted me with their most precious treasure: their children,” said Dr. O’Brien.
The Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees will now begin the process of selecting the district’s next superintendent. Dr. O’Brien has committed to staying through the fall semester as this process is completed to ensure a smooth transition. The district is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process.