San Antonio Standard

A San Antonio-area public school district recently completed a voluntary retirement agreement for its now former superintendent, per a report from San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT. 

The station reported that Harry Piles entered retirement on March 31, earning the distinction of being the Natalia Independent School District’s (NISD) fourth superintendent during the last decade.

“An agreement has been reached which allows Mr. Piles the ability to pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another superintendent,” NISD said in a press release obtained by KSAT. “The board and Mr. Piles have entered into the agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the district.” 

Piles, a U.S. Air Force veteran with nearly a quarter-century experience in public education, said in the release that he’s “very proud” of his two years at the helm. 

“I believe new leadership and a new perspective will build on our legacy of success and bring new ideas to the table," he said.

KSAT reported that Piles had a contract with NISD that was supposed to run through 2027.

The finalized retirement agreement calls for him to be paid a total severance payment in the amount of $95,491, the station reported.

NISD has tabbed Dr. Lana Collavo interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is hired.

Per the release, Piles’ tenure was marked by the approval of a bond that provided for a new junior high school campus wing, renovated school buildings and enhanced security districtwide, as well as a B rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the highest financial rating of Superior Achievement on Texas's Financial Integrity Rating System.

"On behalf of the board, we value the progress made in our school system under Superintendent Piles' leadership,” NISD school board president Eric Smith said in the release. “Along with the board, Mr. Piles has focused NISD and its stakeholders on identifying and developing the strengths and gifts of every child. This vision culminated in the single focused goal for all of our students to achieve success beyond high school graduation."

NISD, which is about 30 miles southwest of Downtown San Antonio, educated over 1,000 students as of the 2020-2021 academic year, per The Texas Tribune.