Dr. King Davis Named Permanent Superintendent of Killeen ISD

KILLEEN, Texas — Change is coming to Killeen Independent School District (KISD) as Dr. King Davis transitions from interim superintendent to the district’s next permanent leader. In an exclusive interview, Davis shared how his brief return from retirement turned into a profound commitment to the district’s students, staff, and community.

“I am committed. This is truly a ministry for me,” Davis stated. “I am passionate about education and although I am getting to know the Killeen community, I am passionate about children.” Davis has served as interim superintendent since August 11. Following a comprehensive search process encompassing community focus groups and surveys, the Killeen ISD Board of Trustees has named him the sole finalist for the permanent position.

Board President Brett Williams highlighted Davis’s unique ability to connect with students and families. “He embraces Killeen Independent School District for who we are, and he is committed to take us to levels we’ve never been to,” Williams said.

With more than 43,000 students enrolled, Davis identified school improvement as his top priority. He noted that the district’s overall accountability rating is a “mid-C,” acknowledging that several campuses have faced ongoing challenges. “We have some historically failing campuses that we have to address — and that’s a brutal fact,” Davis remarked. “We are addressing it.”

School safety is also a key focus for Davis, especially in light of a deadly incident at Roy J. Smith Middle School in March. “Every parent expects their child to come home safe. And that certainly is our priority,” he said. “Safety is a fluid process and we are always thinking how we can make it safer.”

Feedback from families and staff has shown strong support for Davis’s leadership. “Every time they had an encounter with him, their statements were, ‘Is he an option to be the permanent?’” Williams recalled. “But it became obvious over time that the community embraced his leadership style.”

Before his time in Killeen, Davis served as the superintendent of Sheldon ISD for eight years, where a new administrative and student support building was named in his honor — the Dr. King R. Davis Jr. Education Support Center.

Davis’s dedication to public education stems from the significant impact teachers had on his own life. “There were some public school educators that truly impacted my life,” he explained. “I was headed down the wrong path. Many years ago, there were some key public educators who changed my life, and I’m going to continue to pay it forward.”

The Killeen ISD board is expected to formally approve Davis as superintendent next month, following the state-mandated 21-day waiting period. “What I promise to our parents and our community is that we will work tirelessly to make sure your kids are safe,” Davis concluded. “And if we drop the ball, we will be transparent about it.”