Norrell lone CISD superintendent finalist

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Adrian Superintendent Mike Norrell was named as the lone finalist to lead the Clarendon Consolidated Independent School District during the regular meeting of the local school trustees last Thursday, January 15.

The met behind closed doors for more than an hour before selecting Norrell, who has held the top job in Adrian for four and a half years and was attracted by Clarendon’s reputation.

“People are drawn to good schools,” he told the Enterprise, “and Clarendon is a good school with a good history and potential.”

Under Texas law, Clarendon ISD must now wait 21 days before formally hiring Norrell. He and CISD Interim Superintendent John Lemons were scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss the timeline for the transition.

At this writing it is not certain when Norrell will start in Clarendon. Local officials had previously said they wanted a new superintendent to start by April 1.

Norrell is a Sunray native who received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas Tech University before earning counselor and administrative certifications from Sul Ross State University and Lubbock Christian University respectively.

The incoming superintending began his career in 1985 coaching and teaching social studies in Crosbyton. He then moved to Amherst and later Klondike before spending 13 years at Patton Springs, where he started as a coach, teacher, and counselor before becoming principal. He then the top job in Adrian.

Norrell has two kids, a 23-year-old daughter, who recently graduated from Texas Tech, and a 21-year-old son, who is currently studying at Tech. Norrell’s wife is employed by Friona ISD as their federal programs director and migrant coordinator.

While in Adrian, Norrell says he has enjoyed be active in the Lions Club and with church activities, and he is looking forward to getting involved in Clarendon.

“I plan to look, listen, and ask questions,” Norrell said. “I want to get to know the administration, staff, board, and students. It will be a change having more than 400 students, coming from a school with 120 students.

“I want to embrace Clarendon and find out what the community is all about,” he said.