(Ed.'s Note: As the trustees of the Brownsville Independent School District seek an administrator to replace Superintendent Dr. Esperanza Zendejas and take over the helm of the district, the name Timothy Cuff – Assistant Superintendent Curriculum & Instruction – has been mentioned as a possible interim superintendent. Cuff's experience as superintendent is quite limited as can be deduced by this news story from his last work site.
Caldwell ISD has only four campuses: Elementary (PK-3rd), Intermediate (4th-6th), Junior High (7th - 8th) and High School (9-12th) plus an District Alternative Education Program and an Alternative Center of Education. Last year it had 1,745 students. By contrast, the BISD has over 52 campuses and some 45,578 students. When he left Caldwell two weeks before the start of the school year and only after a month as super, the district was apparently in disarray as comments from parents indicate below. Is this the right guy? Board members will decide Tuesday.)
![]()
KBTX-TV
Aug 10, 2016
CALDWELL - Just two weeks before the start of a new school year, the superintendent at Caldwell ISD, Dr. Timothy Cuff, is stepping down. There is an interim taking his place.
Dr. Joe Dan Lee says he has 28 years of experience. Recently, he was the interim at two other Texas districts. Lee says he enjoys bridging the gap for districts looking for permanent replacements, because he knows what to look for to help the next superintendent transition.
Parent and community soccer coach Burt Yates just found out about Cuff’s resignation.
"I'm discouraged with all the changes that we've had recently and the drama with the school board and some of the staff,” said Yates “But, overall I get a sense that were moving forward in a positive manner."
Joe Dan Lee will lead the district until the board finds Cuff's replacement. He's only been on the job 3 days but says he thinks Caldwell ISD is heading in the right direction.
"It's a great opportunity for the district to have a set of outside eyes to evaluate some of the things they were doing,” said Lee. “Hopefully, offer some recommendations on some things they might do to improve themselves."
Yates says he wants the district to consider more extracurricular activities.
"A soccer program and choir,” said Yates. “I mean there are a lot of things in our district that would benefit our children."
Even though Dr. Lee won't be leading permanently, he says his 28 years of experience will push the district forward.
"I'll be here working with staff and students and trustees,” said Lee. “Hopefully we’ll make a really good district better each and every day."
Caldwell ISD has only four campuses: Elementary (PK-3rd), Intermediate (4th-6th), Junior High (7th - 8th) and High School (9-12th) plus an District Alternative Education Program and an Alternative Center of Education. Last year it had 1,745 students. By contrast, the BISD has over 52 campuses and some 45,578 students. When he left Caldwell two weeks before the start of the school year and only after a month as super, the district was apparently in disarray as comments from parents indicate below. Is this the right guy? Board members will decide Tuesday.)
6. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, and duties of the Interim Superintendent.: Item on agenda of Tuesday Rescheduled BISD board meeting.
Aug 10, 2016
CALDWELL - Just two weeks before the start of a new school year, the superintendent at Caldwell ISD, Dr. Timothy Cuff, is stepping down. There is an interim taking his place.
Dr. Joe Dan Lee says he has 28 years of experience. Recently, he was the interim at two other Texas districts. Lee says he enjoys bridging the gap for districts looking for permanent replacements, because he knows what to look for to help the next superintendent transition.
Parent and community soccer coach Burt Yates just found out about Cuff’s resignation.
"I'm discouraged with all the changes that we've had recently and the drama with the school board and some of the staff,” said Yates “But, overall I get a sense that were moving forward in a positive manner."
Joe Dan Lee will lead the district until the board finds Cuff's replacement. He's only been on the job 3 days but says he thinks Caldwell ISD is heading in the right direction.
"It's a great opportunity for the district to have a set of outside eyes to evaluate some of the things they were doing,” said Lee. “Hopefully, offer some recommendations on some things they might do to improve themselves."
Yates says he wants the district to consider more extracurricular activities.
"A soccer program and choir,” said Yates. “I mean there are a lot of things in our district that would benefit our children."
Even though Dr. Lee won't be leading permanently, he says his 28 years of experience will push the district forward.
"I'll be here working with staff and students and trustees,” said Lee. “Hopefully we’ll make a really good district better each and every day."