DALLAS — A familiar face is in the running to take over Dallas ISD as its new superintendent. Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde left the Dallas school district over two years ago to serve Austin ISD. With Dallas ISD’s latest announcement, Elizalde was named as the only finalist to close in on securing the superintendent opening.

According to DISD, Elizalde’s AISD superintendent duties extended to over 80,000 students and 12,000 employees.

The vote to select Elizalde was unanimous. DISD must wait a mandated 21 days for the hire as superintendent to be official, according to the district.

Elizalde was a former school administrator for DISD, serving as the chief of school leadership. As a Texas native and third-generation public school educator, she’s worked as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and deputy chief.

Many who possess a work relationship with Elizalde speak to her commitment in catering to the educational needs of her students and producing optimal results in whatever district she’s serving.

Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said his 13-year tenure was reaching its end in January, but he’ll stay at Dallas ISD until December to operate as emeritus superintendent, according to the district.