Del Valle ISD announces new Chief Operations Officer

Del Valle ISD announces the appointment of Mark Willoughby as the district’s new Chief Operations Officer. The Board of Trustees approved the hiring at a Special Meeting on June 9. Bringing more than 30 years of educational leadership and operational management experience to the role, Mr. Willoughby joins after most recently serving as the COO for Liberty Hill ISD, where he oversaw construction, maintenance, safety, technology, and transportation for a rapidly growing school district.

Mr. Willoughby has demonstrated a commitment to student success and district-wide excellence through his strategic oversight of multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, operational leadership, and alignment of infrastructure with educational goals. His extensive background in both academic and operational roles across Texas school systems uniquely positions him to lead Del Valle ISD operations during a critical period of growth and innovation.

“Mark’s track record in fast-growth districts makes him uniquely suited to support our vision here in Del Valle,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez. “He understands the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, and he brings the leadership, experience, and strategic thinking we need to continue building safe, innovative, and future-ready learning environments for our students.”

Throughout his career, Mr. Willoughby has served in various leadership capacities, including Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Improvements for Hutto ISD, Principal at Farley Middle School in Hutto ISD, and both school and district leadership positions in Bastrop ISD. He started his career as an English teacher and coach before moving into administration. His broad expertise spans instructional leadership, district-level administration, facilities and capital projects management, and student support services.

He holds a Master's in Education Administration from Concordia University at Austin and a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard Payne University.

Del Valle ISD welcomes Mr. Willoughby to the district’s senior leadership team and looks forward to the expertise and vision he will bring as the community continues to grow and thrive.