Long-time Palmer Superintendent Kevin Noack retiring

PALMER – For more than a decade-and-a-half, Palmer ISD was able to count on one constant: Superintendent Kevin Noack.

Noack’s career in public education has spanned 35 years, including 25 years as a superintendent, with 16 of those years in Palmer.

He will be retiring at the end of this school year.

“The decision to retire has been on the horizon for a while,” Noack said. 

“But recent developments in state policy have made the timing feel more urgent.”

Someone who has experienced it firsthand, Noack explained for years, he watched the Texas Legislature steadily impose more mandates on Texas schools.

Finally, he realized he had enough. 

Candidly he explained what he sees in Texas’ current public education system.

“Without the funding required to implement them [mandates],” he explained.

“With each new legislative session, we find ourselves increasingly depending on legal assistance just to navigate the growing tangle of regulations. 

“Despite what some state leaders claim, the funding provided simply does not match the scope of the demands placed on our public schools.

“Unfortunately, this is only one part of a broader attack on public education. 

“Teachers and school leaders are constantly criticized, and Texas state testing has become a tool for punishment rather than support. 

“We are expected to administer assessments that are developmentally inappropriate, then are judged harshly based on the results that often reflect external factors beyond the classroom, not the quality of instruction or effort of educators.

“These conditions are unsustainable. They discourage talented educators from staying in the profession and do disservice to the students we are all committed to serving. Public education is the foundation of a strong and equitable society. Undermining it, as we are seeing now, will have long-term consequences.

“As I step away from my role, I do so with a heavy heart – but also with hope. I believe that someday, Texas will look back and recognize the damage done, and I hope that future leaders will have the courage and vision to restore what has been lost.”

Noack came to Palmer ISD when he and his family chose to move closer to Dallas.

“So, my wife and I could support her aging parents,” he said. “Taking on the superintendent’s role in Palmer ISD, the district was facing significant challenges then, and I was determined to make a difference in a district that needed strong leadership.”

During his time at Palmer ISD, Noack said his most memorable moments are many.

“Mostly serving in a community that truly rallies around one another, where compassion and support aren’t just words but everyday actions,” he expressed. “The generosity and unity shown in Palmer, especially in times of crisis, speaks volumes about the character of the people there. It’s those moments – neighbors helping neighbors, students and teachers growing together – that make education feel like the heart of a town.”

He also said making ground improvements to the school district has been a passion. 

“The building of the new elementary and the new science labs in the high school are also especially memorable moments to me,” he said. 

As for biggest changes he has seen over the last 16 years he said “Touching on a very real and widespread issue – teacher and administrator shortages are impacting schools across the country, and the situation in Austin reflects broader national trends. So, the biggest change I have seen over the years is the ability to hire teachers. Many educators cite low pay, lack of support, political pressures, and a decline in public respect as reasons for leaving or avoiding the profession altogether. It’s disheartening, especially considering the vital role educators play in shaping future generations.”

Noack’s advice for the person stepping into his role at Palmer ISD: “Continue to support the staff members in the trenches. Teaching is definitely not for the weak of heart. Public education is very important and it can’t be accomplished without good teachers.”

He also thanked the “amazing” administrative staff “who had a big part in hiring me and who have supported me throughout my 16 years. I also want to thank the original board members who first took the chance to hire me and thanks to the board members over the years who continued to provide that support. The community of Palmer has been wonderful to me and my family and we look forward to remaining in Palmer.”

As for his future in retirement, Noack said he and his wife plan to camp and fish more often. 

“I will also take a part-time job with some ties to public education,” he concluded.