SAN ANTONIO — John Craft announced his retirement as superintendent of Northside Independent School District in San Antonio after less than two years in the role, concluding a 27-year career in public education. The Northside ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on June 9 to discuss a transition plan and begin identifying the next district leader.
Craft was hired as Northside ISD’s superintendent in 2023, following prior leadership roles in Hamilton, Killeen, and Mansfield school districts. District officials credited him with focusing on student achievement, supporting campus growth, advancing bond-funded facility projects, and prioritizing the needs of both students and employees.
“Serving the students and the Northside ISD community has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Craft said in a statement. He added, “It’s always been about creating opportunities for students.” He also said, “I consider myself truly blessed to have served the children within Texas public schools.”
His tenure coincided with several challenges. Northside ISD faced a $35 million budget deficit with the possibility of school closures. A district police officer was convicted for shooting a woman outside a football game, and a Stevens High School student died after passing out during practice.
The district was also the subject of a years-long KSAT investigation examining student-caused injuries to educators. According to that investigation, Northside ISD reported the largest number of such injuries among Texas districts over the last three school years. In 2024, Brandeis High School instructional aide Alfred Jimenez died after being pushed by a student with disabilities.
Margo Jimenez, his widow, said, “For me, nothing has changed. I have no closure. I still don’t know what actually happened.” During an April 28 board meeting, when asked about plans to offer closure to Jimenez, Craft responded, “I would not be able to answer that question without legal counsel present.” He later agreed to speak with KSAT in a podcast interview about changes made since the incident and limitations imposed by the state.