Courtesy Brad Spradlin

Tyler ISD board member Brad Spradlin resigned from his position, citing a desire to focus more on family and business responsibilities.

Spradlin represents single member District 5 and has served on the board for 11 years, according to a TISD news release. His resignation will be effective Monday.

Board President the Rev. Orenthia Mason said the board will consider the option to appoint someone to fill the vacancy, according to a TISD news release.

A special election will be called for May 2014. At that time, the candidate elected by voters will complete the term, which will expire in May 2015.

“The board understands and supports Mr. Spradlin’s decision,” the Rev. Mason said in the news release. “Mr. Spradlin has been instrumental in helping move the district forward and his service on the board has helped pave the road for the continued success of our students.”

Spradlin, 59, said he debated the decision for several months and decided the time was right because the district is in a strong position, and the board is moving in a positive direction.

Highlights from his time on the board include: the creation of the Internal Audit Department, the implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and multiple successful bond elections.

Spradlin said two other things he is proud of are the board’s ability to work together and the way the community has come together to support the district and its improvement.

One of the things that Spradlin wanted to see accomplished that wasn’t — during his time on the board — was the construction of new John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools.

Although that’s not done, he said, he expects it to be “right around the corner.”

“We’ve got a great board and I’m very confident in Mr. Mooring, and, really, we do have outstanding teachers and staff in TISD,” he said. “It’s been a very positive experience in my life and you know it’s time for … well the way I put it is when I ran for office 11 years ago, my campaign slogan was leadership for a new direction.

“I feel like I helped provide some leadership, but all of us together … we’ve all moved the district in a new direction. So now, I think it’s time for someone to come along and give new leadership for the new direction or the next direction.”

Spradlin works in real estate investments and remodeling. He is married to Debbie, an educator, and they have three grown children and one grandchild.