The Aransas Pass ISD Board of Trustees has named Interim Superintendent Wayne Bennett as the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The Board took official action during its regular meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Bennett has served as Interim Superintendent since May 2025, providing steady leadership and guiding the district through key academic and financial initiatives, including instructional improvements, student programs, and community engagement efforts.
“Mr. Bennett has demonstrated strong leadership, a strategic student-centered focus, and a deep commitment to our students, staff, team of eight, and Panther nation,” said Board President Wanese Butler. “The Board is confident that he is the right person to continue growing and leading Aransas Pass ISD forward.”
Under state law, school boards must wait a minimum of 21 days after naming a lone finalist before officially voting to employ that individual as superintendent.
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and families of Aransas Pass ISD,” Bennett said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated educators and community members who share a passion for student success.”
Bennett brings 40 years of experience in public education and is currently in his 23rd year with Aransas Pass ISD. Before being named lone finalist, he served the district in multiple leadership roles, including Interim Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal of both A.C. Blunt Middle School and Aransas Pass High School, Assistant Principal at A.C. Blunt Middle School, Social Studies Department Chair, and Head Baseball Coach at Aransas Pass High School.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University, a Master of Science in Education from Walden University, and completed his Superintendent Certification courses through Lamar University.
Beyond his work in education, Bennett is deeply involved in the Aransas Pass community. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Coastal Bend Foundation since 2015, helping award annual scholarships to Aransas Pass High School seniors, more than $1 million to date, and providing support to local food shelters and other area nonprofits. Since 2019, he has also served on the Board of Directors for Aransas Pass for Youth, which provides afterschool and summer childcare for local families. Bennett is a founding member of the Aransas Pass ISD Education Foundation, established in 2022, which has awarded more than $250,000 in passthrough and innovative teaching grants to APISD staff for classroom projects.
Bennett and his family are proud Panthers. His wife, Pam Bennett, an Aransas Pass High School alumna, has served in the APISD Human Resources Department for 25 years as HR Specialist and HR Director. The Bennetts’ have had four children proudly graduate from Aransas Pass High School.
The Board is expected to consider final action on an employment contract for Bennett following the State required 21-day waiting period.