Northwest ISD announced in a Twitter post that their superintendent, Dr. David Hicks, died unexpectedly following a medical emergency on September 9.
“Northwest ISD is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. David Hicks, our superintendent, whose life ended unexpectedly on September 9 after a medical emergency. Dr. Hicks had made an immediate impact on the staff and students of Northwest ISD, and we will miss him dearly.”
From a statement posted on the Northwest ISD website:
Following his selection as Northwest ISD’s superintendent of schools in March, Dr. David Hicks routinely spoke of his excitement to join the school district and how assuming the position marked a dream fulfilled. Sadly, Dr. Hicks only had a chance to see this dream in action for several months, as he died following a medical emergency on Friday, September 9.
Despite his limited time leading Northwest ISD, the community immediately felt Dr. Hicks’ kindness and earnestness from his sincerity shining through all his actions.
When Dr. Hicks officially started his new role in Northwest ISD, he pored over staff lists to find all the district employees he previously worked with in neighboring school districts. He quickly reached out to dozens of individuals, many of whom he hadn’t seen in more than a decade, to share stories and tell them how he looked forward to working together again. Some of these individuals had previously worked with Dr. Hicks for years, and some had only worked with him for a few months and had no idea he would remember them because of their brief time together.
With 34 years in the education profession, all in North Texas, Dr. Hicks built a legacy of compassion and educational excellence, striving to find innovative opportunities for students to learn in their own unique ways. Dr. Anne Davis-Simpson, president of the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees and a retired teacher, formed a lasting professional relationship with Dr. Hicks that spanned almost all his time as an educator. She remembers Dr. Hicks as a caring leader who truly loved the work of supporting students to reach their potential.
“Dr. Hicks’ commitment to quality instruction and teachers was a trait that lasted throughout his educational career,” she said. “He approached life and educational work with optimism and positivity to an extent unrivaled by almost anyone. He lived the district belief that kids come first, as every action he took put children at the forefront. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
Dr. Tyson Bennett, current superintendent of Sherman ISD, said Dr. Hicks was the ultimate includer, bringing together individuals of all backgrounds and seeking their opinions and counsel in decisions. His decision-making process revolved around the belief that a school district belongs to its community, and he sought community feedback to guide major decisions.
“Dr. Hicks was so gracious, a servant at heart, and included everyone because he cared so much for others,” said Dr. Bennett, who previously served as a member of Dr. Hicks’ leadership team in Sherman ISD. “He impacted all of us in amazing ways that will bless our district and community for generations.”
Read the full statement here:
Northwest ISD paid tribute to Dr. David Hicks on September 15 by wearing red, white, and blue… the colors of his favorite team, the Texas Rangers, and started the hashtag #HeartsLikeHicks.
Several of those who paid tribute to Dr. Hicks, posted pictures of themselves dressed in red, white, and blue and/or Rangers gear with the hashtag.
More pictures on Twitter #HeartsLikeHicks
