09/23/2025
PRESS RELEASE: Superintendent Ryder Appleton Announces Plans to Retire
School Board (Mexia, TX) [September 22, 2025] – Mexia ISD Superintendent, Ryder Appleton, announced today he will retire after nearly 5 years as Superintendent of Schools. Appleton, 52, has 8 years of superintendent experience and holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in College Station and a Master’s Degree from Texas A&M Commerce. Ryder started his career in Hempstead ISD as an Agriculture Science teacher and FFA sponsor and has worked as an administrator in Ennis ISD, Waxahachie ISD, Abilene ISD, Veribest ISD and Mexia ISD. His educational experience includes serving as an Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Campus Principal, Campus Assistant Principal, Network Director, Classroom Teacher and Leadership Coach. Prior to his role as Mexia ISD Superintendent, Appleton served in the same capacity with Veribest ISD.
Appleton’s last day in the District will be September 23, 2025; he will remain an employee of the school district until June 30, 2026 to assist with the transition of leadership as Superintendent Emeritus. The Board of Trustees will begin discussions about the superintendent search at their Board Workshop very soon.
According to Appleton, he’s looking forward to the next chapter with future opportunities and spending more time with his family. Also, he wanted to give the Board enough time to hire a new superintendent. “I personally believe that five years is about the right amount of time to stay at the helm of an organization like ours. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past several years. I believe new leadership and a new perspective will build on our legacy of success, and bring new ideas to the table,” said Superintendent Appleton.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Ron Fowler praised the superintendent for his ability to build a strong culture of collaboration both within the District and between the District and the community. “On behalf of the Board, we highly value the progress made in our school system under Superintendent Appleton’s leadership. Mr. Appleton has been a tireless visionary for Mexia ISD over the past several years. Along with the Board, Mr. Appleton has focused Mexia ISD and its stakeholders on identifying and developing the strengths and gifts of every child. This vision culminated in the single focused goal for all of our students to achieve success beyond high school graduation,” said School Board President Fowler.
Appleton says that school success has been all about working together as a team. “I have been blessed to work with wonderful people at Mexia ISD. Our teachers, leadership team, and school board deserve all of the credit for working together as a team for the success of our students. The District will continue to accomplish great things in the future.”
