Northwest school district superintendent dies unexpectedly Friday from ‘medical emergency’

Northwest school district’s superintendent, David Hicks, died Friday after a “medical emergency,” the district announced on Twitter on Friday night.

“Dr. Hicks had made an immediate impact on the staff and students of Northwest ISD, and we will miss him dearly,” the Northwest school district said in a news release. “Many of you quickly came to appreciate his kindness and earnestness, traits that made him an excellent leader and friend. Our board is committed to supporting the Hicks family in their time of need, as well as you all as the teachers and staff of Northwest ISD, and our students and community as a whole.”

Hicks joined the district as its superintendent earlier this year. Prior to his posting as the superintendent of Northwest ISD, Hicks was the superintendent of the Sherman school district.

Hicks began his career in education as a middle school teacher in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district and moved up to campus leadership in that district. He worked as a principal in that district as well as Grapevine-Colleyville ISD before moving into district administration with Denton’s school district before his time in Sherman.

Northwest ISD has students and campuses across 14 cities, including in Fort Worth.

Grief counselors will be available on campuses starting next week, according to the news release. The school board will meet soon to decide next steps. The district said it is in a good place to maintain operations as it searches for a new superintendent.

“A strong organization structure is in place, and our district will continue to operate with excellence in this trying time,” the district said in the news release.