From One-Bus District to Global Classrooms: Q&A with Superintendent Michael Caudill

On June 1, Dr. Michael K. Caudill officially became superintendent of The University of Texas High School Special District. With three decades of experience as a math teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, he brings a wealth of perspective, a passion for helping students find their own path, and a great sense of humor to his new role. We sat down with Dr. Caudill to hear more about his background, leadership philosophy, and what’s ahead for UTHS.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be an educator?

Caudill: Not at all! As a kid I thought about business or law. But I always worked with kids — babysitting, in the church nursery, as a camp counselor — and I played a lot of team sports. It just felt natural. My parents were first-generation college graduates and big on education, so I grew up with high expectations around school. And along the way, I had some incredible teachers who really inspired me.

Q: What have been some of the most formative jobs in your career?

Caudill: Becoming superintendent at Bluff Dale ISD in my early 30s was huge. It was a tiny district — about 100 students, Pre-K through 8th — and I had to do everything: principal, superintendent, cafeteria director, transportation manager, even testing the water supply. The district had one bus—I bought another so we could attend athletic events, essentially doubling the fleet. I became a Certified Business Official. People don’t realize that little districts must do the same things that big districts do—they just don’t have the staff.

Another highlight was helping start the Westlake High School Alternative Learning Center in Eanes ISD back in the 1990s. I was doing an administrative internship while working on my first Master’s degree. That program is still running today, and I’m proud to have been part of something that gave kids a different way to succeed.

UT Charter School Superintendent Nicole Whetstone with UT High School Superintendent Michael Caudill at Convocation

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

Caudill: I call it “situational leadership.” With new staff, I’m more directive. With experienced teachers and administrators, I collaborate or step back, depending on what’s needed. The key is to match the leadership approach to the person and the situation.

Q: You’ve been an advocate for alternative learning for a long time—at Eanes and as assistant superintendent at Smithville running the Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) program. What draws you to it?

Caudill: Every student’s journey is different. Some thrive in AP or dual-credit classes. Others need the flexibility of online learning. I’ve always believed schools should create multiple pathways so that kids can find what works for them. That’s what excites me about UTHS — we have the tools to personalize education at scale.

Q: What are your priorities for UT High School this year?

Caudill: Growth, support, participation and personalization. We’re adding new full-time teaching staff, strengthening services for students and families, and launching a Social Work program that will provide more comprehensive support. At the same time, we’re working on ways to build a sense of community and school pride in an online setting.

Q: What about the longer-term vision?

Caudill: We’ve put together a five-year strategic plan that focuses on three things: Instructional Excellence & Curriculum Innovation, Community Connections, and Global Impact & District Support. These have helped us focus on expanding enrollment, including middle school; keeping our services strong and responsive to the diverse needs of online learners; and continuing to develop world-class curriculum.

The challenge — and the opportunity — is building connection in an online environment. We don’t pass students in hallways every day, so we have to be intentional about creating those connections.

Q: What excites you most about leading UT High School?

Caudill: The combination of talent, mission, and reach. UTHS has an incredible staff and the support of the University of Texas. We’re in a position to make a real difference not just in Texas, but globally.

We have students from across Texas and across the globe. Some have special challenges that need to be met; others have a lot of anxiety; and we have a large group of high achievers who are college bound. Every student deserves a pathway that works for them, and that’s what we’re building. What starts here, changes the world!