Meria Carstarphen was all smiles at the Austin Independent School District board meeting Thursday when they unanimously announced her as the sole finalist for the AISD superintendent position.

But her day wasn't over after that. Carstarphen dropped in at Zilker Elementary School to visit with some of her new students and staff.

Since 2006, Carstarphen has been leading the St. Paul, Minn. public school system.

Right from the get-go, she's been talking business.

"As I walk around the school, I think we probably need to have a conversation about facilities and how we can get more support in a better prioritized way to buildings that need improvement," Carstarphen said.

Her visit to Zilker Elementary was a surprise, and, even more unexpected, she sat down for lunch alongside the students.

Parents visiting their students for lunch, like Tenisha Harpar, already have plans for Carstarphen to put in place.

"I hope that she will do more as far as the education for the minority children," Harpar said. "And make sure they get the same opportunities as others in this district."

This visit was the first of a series of visits to Austin to help Carstarphen with the transition from St.Paul.

Randall Thomson, principal of Zilker Elementary, said his school has a mixture of all types of students.

"It's a real unique and eclectic group of kids, and I think Dr. Carstarphen is getting a good idea of what Austin is like," he said.

More than that, Carstarphen caught a glimpse of what some of the students are like.

"If that's any indication of the types of students we have in Austin, then this is going to be a very, very fun time for me," she said.

And by that, some hope she means a long, fun time. Retiring Pat Forgione served as AISD superintendent for 10 years. Carstarphen has received criticism for serving the St. Paul school district for less than three years. When questioned how long she plans to stay in Austin, Carstarphen said she anticipates and hopes for a nice seasoned tenure.

Forgione issued a statement welcoming Carstarphen to Austin and said they've made great strides in his 10 years, but reminded her that there are many miles to go.

"He's certainly left big shoes to fill, and I intend to live up to that legacy" Carstarphen said.

Carstarphen is expected to be in Austin for the next couple of days.

She is visiting Eastside Memorial High School and Murchison
Middle School Friday.