The Plano school board unanimously selected a lone finalist for superintendent on Thursday.
The board named the district's interim superintendent, Richard Matkin, the final candidate for the job on Thursday.
"The more we looked at our different choices, the more we realized we had that expertise in our own ranks," said Tammy Richards, board president.
Matkin, 60, has been the head of the Plano Independent School District's business services since 2001. He has served as the interim superintendent since Doug Otto retired in February after 17 years.
"It was an easy decision for me, because I know them, and they know me," Matkin said.
The Plano ISD board cited his wealth of knowledge about education in Texas and his familiarity with the district as the reasons behind its decision. Richards also said the board felt Matkin would be an asset when dealing with deficits, tight budgets and state budget cuts.
"Texas school finance is very complicated, and Richard is basically the master of that," Richards said. "He will be so instrumental in moving us forward as we work through this difficult process."
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Annette Maule, incoming Parent Teacher Association president, said it's nice to see progress after a year in which the district was involved in back-and-forth over redistricting and other issues.
"It's one of the things I think this community is ready for, is to come together," she said.
There is a state-mandated 21-day waiting period before the board can formally hire its lone finalist. Matkin is expected to begin his duties in May.
