Austin, TX—Tonight, the Austin Independent School District announced the appointment of Pauline Dow as chief academic officer, effective July 1.

Dow has served as the associate superintendent for academics and chief academic officer for the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso. She was responsible for providing the overall instructional leadership to develop and establish high academic standards to meet the district's mission. Prior to working for Ysleta ISD, Dow served as an associate superintendent, director of academic learning services and a bilingual teacher for Canutillo ISD in El Paso. She also was a bilingual teacher for the San Elizario ISD in West Texas.

As chief academic officer for Austin ISD, Dow will lead the district's curriculum, dual language, bilingual education and special education programs. She also will direct the administration of all central office programs to support of the district's mission to provide outstanding opportunities for all students to succeed academically.

"Pauline Dow brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to her new assignment with the Austin Independent School District," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "We are fortunate that she will be joining the AISD team, and I know she will serve Austin students, schools and the community well."

In 2010 and 2011, Ysleta ISD earned the Texas Education Agency rating as a Recognized district based on student scores from state standardized tests. In 2011, 12 campuses were rated as TEA Exemplary schools and 20 campuses were rated as Recognized.

"I am honored to join the AISD team to help fulfill the district's mission to provide a high quality educational experience for all students," Dow said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my work in the public education arena in Austin."