The Onalaska Independent School District Board of Trustees recently gave notice of Dr. Kenneth Fraga as finalist for its superintendent position.
On Sept. 30, the Onalaska ISD Board of Trustees conducted interviews for the position and unanimously selected Fraga as lone finalist. The district will follow the mandatory 21-day waiting period, in accordance with the Texas Government Code.
Currently serving as assistant superintendent with OISD, Fraga has been at Onalaska for almost two and a half years. He began in the district April of 2022 as the principal at the junior/senior high school and has served as the assistant superintendent since July.
“I have been fortunate to be in the school district and able to make an impact and changes,” Fraga said. “Really, going forward, we have our bond that we just passed. Probably the biggest thing facing the district at this point is building a new school.”
The bond will allow for the district to construct a high school that will share some of the current junior/senior high’s facilities.
Though many in school administration strive to reach the superintendent, Fraga has been content in the positions he has held.
“I thought it was something that would come eventually and I and pretty fortunate to have supportive enough people who have told me I would get there eventually. Honestly, being the principal was the best job I ever had. I loved it. Mr. (Anthony) Roberts asked me if I would fill in that position as assistant superintendent, so I did. I really thought he would be in the district for a few more years, but he had other plans, and so did God. So, here I am. I always thought I would end up as superintendent, I just thought it would be another 7-10 years down the road.”
With three children and a wife who is from the area, the lone candidate said Onalaska has been the right choice for both he and the family.
“My wife is a native of Polk County and is originally from Livingston. When I became the principal, even though I live in Livingston, we made the decision to bring our kids to Onalaska. From the time we stepped foot in the district, we just felt at home. The support the community has for the schools, and the support that the school board has for administration has just made it a natural fit for me, my leadership style, and for my family. I am looking forward to a lot of good years here. We have three kids and my oldest is a sophomore this year. The middle child is a freshman this year, and then our youngest is in sixth grade. At the very least, I am here for six and a half or seven years. But, I am not hopping on job boards any time soon. I am loving being here and I’m hoping I can be here for a long time.”
If the unanimous vote for Fraga is any indication, the board is hoping for the same.
“We are confident that Dr. Fraga will exceed our expectations as we begin a new chapter for a bright future in Onalaska ISD,” Board President Candice Davies said.
The board anticipates taking final action at a meeting scheduled for Oct. 21 in the administration building, located at 134 N. FM 356. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m.
