Silsbee ISD Welcomes Karen Ford as Executive Director of Human Resources

September 19, 2023 – The Silsbee Independent School District (SISD) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karen Ford as the new Executive Director of Human Resources, marking an exciting addition to the Tiger Family.

Mrs. Ford's appointment comes as Sherrie Thornhill, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, announced her retirement earlier this year. Her retirement date is set for December 2023.

With an extensive career spanning more than three decades, Mrs. Ford brings a wealth of educational expertise to her new role. Her diverse background includes positions in campus and district administration and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and State and Federal Programs. Ford's recent tenure as the Director of School Performance and Support at the Region 5 Education Service Center further solidified her reputation as a leader deeply invested in educational excellence.

As the Director of School Performance and Support, she honed her skills in educational improvement and state initiatives. She has received extensive training in critical areas such as the Texas Instructional Leadership, Effective Schools Framework, and the Teacher Incentive Allotment.

Mrs. Ford's mission in her new role is to foster systemic and sustainable growth across the entire district. She is deeply committed to this objective and looks forward to working collaboratively with the SISD team to achieve a common goal: elevating student outcomes and educational excellence.

"We are excited to welcome a leader of Mrs. Ford's caliber to our district," expressed Dr. Gregg Weiss, Silsbee ISD Superintendent. "Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We have every confidence that her expertise will contribute significantly to our ongoing commitment to excellence in education."

Sherrie Thornhill has dedicated an impressive 40 years of her life to Silsbee ISD. Her commitment to education has been anchored at her alma mater, where she has traversed a diverse range of roles, including that of a teacher, counselor, director, and currently, as the Assistant Superintendent. Mrs. Thornhill’s passion for education have left a mark in shaping the lives of countless students and leaving a lasting legacy that we are immensely proud of. She is set to retire in December 2023.

The entire Silsbee ISD community eagerly anticipates the positive impact Karen Ford will bring to the district as she takes the reins of the Human Resources Department. Her appointment reflects Silsbee ISD's dedication to providing students with the highest quality education possible.