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 Alumni Spotlight on Dr. Michael McFarland
Dr. Michael D. McFarland was named Superintendent of Lancaster ISD in May of 2010. He is an outstanding, energetic, dynamic leader with a proven track record of transforming educational organizations into high performing institutions.
McFarland came to Lancaster ISD from Champaign, Illinois where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Achievement for Champaign Unit 4 Public Schools. While serving in Champaign, McFarland led the development of a high school restructuring model that was adopted by the Illinois Board of Education as a model for transformation of low performing secondary schools throughout the state. Dr. McFarland also was instrumental in the development and implementation of a collaborative multiagency partnership with the City of Champaign, Park District, and Unit 4 Schools called the “Operation Hope in Garden Hills.” This multiagency project included the “Lighted Schoolhouse” and was recognized nationally as a model approach for addressing school and community issues.
Prior to serving in Illinois, McFarland served as principal of John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. When McFarland arrived at John Tyler the school was low performing, academically unacceptable, and plagued with many challenges. Under McFarland’s leadership the school was transformed into a high performing high school that was recognized by the College Board as the 2006 National Inspiration Award winner. This award was only received by three schools in the Nation and was received due to the increase in student performance and college and career readiness as measured by SAT and college acceptance. Over 92% of the students who graduated from John Tyler High under McFarland’s leadership received letters of acceptance to a college, university, and/or the military. Before serving as John Tyler’s principal, McFarland was principal at Foster Middle School in Longview, Texas. During his tenure as principal at Foster Middle School, McFarland was selected as the “Best Principal in East Texas” by the Longview News Journal.
McFarland is an educator who is committed to creating opportunities for success by removing barriers, aligning systems, implementing programs, instituting best practices and building the capacity of people to ensure higher levels of learning for all students. In addition to McFarland’s' duties as superintendent of schools, he finds time for civic and community involvement. He is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations and coaches girls’ basketball at the Lancaster Recreation Center.
McFarland is a native of Jasper, Texas and began his educational career in 1993 as an algebra teacher. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, his Master of Education and superintendent's certificate from Stephen F. Austin University and his doctorate from Baylor University.
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