Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District -

Dr. Robin Ryan announced he will retire after 38 years in Texas public education. Most recently Dr. Ryan served 13 years as Superintendent of Schools of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

Under Dr. Ryan’s leadership, GCISD has received wide acclaim for its personalized approach to learning, high academic achievement, and collaborative work environment. The district has been one of the most innovative in the state, developing a leading online school, early college high school and cutting-edge programs in STEM learning, fine arts, programs for the gifted, and career and technical education.

Dr. Ryan’s last day acting as Superintendent in the district will be January 1, 2023. He will remain an employee of the school district until August 31, 2023 to assist with the transition of leadership.

“I am making this announcement now so that the Board of Trustees can have time to begin the selection process for the new Superintendent,” Dr. Ryan said. “The incredible level of community and district support we have experienced in GCISD has been a hallmark of our success. I am grateful for all of the Board members over these last 13 years who have allowed me to serve GCISD, the place where Cindy and I have raised our family and all of our children have attended school. The Board and our dedicated staff have been committed to excellence at every level and in every facet of our district. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the campus and district leaders who have exercised visionary leadership in their daily work so that every student will be prepared to succeed after graduation. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished during my tenure. Our teachers, leadership team, and Board deserve the credit for working together as a team for the success of our students. I believe new leadership and the Board will bring new ideas to the table and continue to build on our legacy of success,” said Superintendent Ryan.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Casey Ford praised the Superintendent for his ability to build a strong culture of collaboration both within the district and between the district and the community.

“On behalf of the Board, we highly value the progress made in our school system under Superintendent Ryan’s leadership,” Board President Ford said. “Dr. Ryan has been a tireless visionary for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD over the past 13 years. Along with the Board, Dr. Ryan has focused GCISD 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.”

District and Professional Highlights Under Dr. Ryan’s Leadership
• Began the STEM programs
• Began the AVID program
• Passed Bond elections in 2011 and 2016
• Revised the Instructional Coaching model
• 2011 Established CONNECT for the Back to School Fair and other community connections for economically disadvantaged students and their families.
• Began the ASPIRE Academy
• Began standards-based report cards for elementary students
• Began iUniversity Prep, the state’s top virtual school
• Began the Collegiate Academy at TCC Northeast Campus
• Developed the Portrait of a Graduate
• Opened the TECC for Career and Technical courses
• Began tuition-based Pre-k program
• Began 1:1 technology device implementation
• Created the Department of Emergency Management
• GCISD has been named a Dallas Morning News Top 100 Workplace for each of the last four years
• Constructed new Cannon Elementary
• Renovated Mustang Panther Stadium
• Began the Walk of Honor recognition
• Increased the Dyslexia Program from 162 to 986 students
• Increased student participation in Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses
• Improved the GHS and CHHS results in the U.I.L. Lone Star Cup standings
• Traveled with students and WWII Veterans to Freedom Flight in Washington, D.C, and to Soaring Valor in New Orleans.
• Second-longest-serving Superintendent in the history of GCISD
• Named Region 11 Superintendent of the Year in 2018
• Served as the President of the Rotary Club
• Served on the Board of the Texas School Coalition
• Served as the Chair of the U.I.L. Legislative Council
• Charter member of the TASA Future-Ready Superintendent’s Leadership Network

Dr. Ryan said GCISD’s success is a product of teamwork throughout the district.

“I have been blessed to work with wonderful people at Grapevine Colleyville ISD,” Dr. Ryan said. “Our campus staff, support staff, teachers, leadership team, and Board of Trustees deserve all of the credit for working together as a team for the success of our students. GCISD is a destination district and will continue to accomplish great things in the future.”

About Dr. Robin Ryan
Dr. Ryan has been the Superintendent of Schools in Grapevine Colleyville ISD since June 2010. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Ryan served as the Chief Academic Officer in Dallas ISD and as the principal of Colleyville Heritage High School.

In addition to GCISD and Dallas ISD, Dr. Ryan has also served in administrative roles in Carroll, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, and San Angelo school districts. He taught Life Science at Hurst Jr. High and Biology at Graham High School. Dr. Ryan retired from the United States Army Reserve in 2004 as a Major.

A 5th generation Texan, Robin Ryan grew up in Dimmitt. He received his undergraduate degree in 1984 from Texas A&M University and in 1994, completed a Masters of Education at Midwestern State University. In 2005 he received his doctorate from the University of North Texas. Dr. Ryan and his family have lived in Grapevine since 1995. He is married to Dr. Cindy Ryan. They have three children: daughter, Daryl, is a graduate of Grapevine High School and Texas A&M University and is now a Speech Therapist for Dickinson ISD; son, Reed, is a graduate of Grapevine High School and Texas A&M University and is a teacher/coach for Denton Ryan High School; and their youngest son, Graham, is a graduate of Grapevine High School and Texas A&M University and is now serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.