Yantis ISD is in search of a new superintendent.

In a special meeting May 27, the school board approved a voluntary resignation agreement with Superintendent Robyn Derington.

Derington was hired in May 2023 and in January 2025 was given an extension to her three-year contract on a unanimous vote of the school board.

The board held a special meeting on May 21 solely to discuss personnel.

The board then met behind closed doors on the 27th before approving the separation agreement and to hire Dr. James Cowley as the interim superintendent.

Cowley has 36 years in public education including 12 as a superintendent, most recently at Groesbeck ISD where he retired in 2022. He has also served as superintendent at Calhoun County ISD and Linden-Kildare ISD.

Derington was assistant superintendent of teaching and learning at Banquete ISD before coming to Yantis. Her husband, Jay, joined Alba-Golden ISD last year as band director.

Yantis ISD provided the following statement in a news release, “On behalf of the entire district, the board of trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Ms. Derington for her efforts while serving as superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents and administrators, and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire district team.”