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Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent Dies While on Vacation

Dr. Susan Hull was involved in a motorcycle crash while on vacation

There are new details in the tragic death of Grand Prairie Superintendent Dr. Susan Hull.

Hull was involved in a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon while on vacation in Arizona.

The crash happened around 2:20 p.m. Sunday east of Flagstaff on Interstate 40, according to Arizona DPS.

State troopers said Hull was riding a motorcycle when, for an unknown reason, the bike drifted off the interstate and struck a guardrail.

The 60-year-old was wearing a helmet, but suffered severe injuries.

Hull died Monday at a hospital. Her family was at her side, according to Grand Prairie ISD.

"This is a significant loss for the entire Grand Prairie ISD community as well as the education community at large," Burke Hall, president of the GPISD Board of Trustees, said in a letter to district staff. "Over the past 12 years, Dr. Hull made a significant impact on GPISD and helped establish our reputation around the globe. She also made a lasting difference in school children around Texas through her advocacy and creativity. She will be sorely missed."

"Dr. Hull was a dynamic leader. She was a tremendous mentor," district spokesperson Sam Buchmeyer said.

A 'Celebration of Life' ceremony will be held for Hull on Friday, July 12 at Pilgrim Chapel on the campus of Dallas Baptist University. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 13 from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Tapp Memorial United Methodist Church in New Boston, Texas.

Funeral services will also be held on Saturday, July 13 at 3 p.m. at the New Boston High School Auditorium in New Boston, Texas. 

The sudden and tragic loss of Hull was felt across the state, where she was well-known by many.

It's also been felt by parents who brought flowers to district headquarters Tuesday.

"She did so much, so we wanted to give back. That way her family will know that she was appreciated," parent Pamela Kiesel said.

Hull served as superintendent in Texas school districts for almost three decades, including 12 years in Grand Prairie.

"This was a destination district for districts to come here and learn from us related to the School Choice Program that was something she spearheaded some years ago," Buchmeyer said.

Hull's tenure was not without controversy.

She was one of the highest paid superintendents in the country earning more than $400,000.

Hull's compensation came under scrutiny in 2017 when the school board hired an attorney to look into practices involved in the purchase and renovations of an upscale district-owned home Hull was allowed to rent.

"I know she had a lot of bad publicity," Kiesel said. "But she did so much."

This parent remembered how Hull stepped in to help a dance team after funds for a trip to New York were reportedly stolen.

"She stepped in for South Grand Prairie Chey-Annes to be part of the Macy's Day Parade when we thought all hope was lost," she said.

At some point, possibly after the funeral, the district will lay out a plan for its new leadership, according to GPISD.

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