Loudoun County, Virginia’s, schools chief is leaving to lead a school district in the Houston area.

Superintendent Eric Williams has accepted the position as head of Clear Creek Independent School District in Texas. The district serves 42,000 students. His last day with Loudoun County Public Schools is Jan. 6.

“It has been an honor to serve as Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools,” Williams said in a statement.

The news comes after Williams was named the sole finalist for the position last month.

Texas state law requires school districts to wait a minimum of 21 days before making an appointment official.

Williams has been with Loudoun County schools for six years. The school system, one of the largest in Virginia, has more than 81,000 students.

“Dr. Williams is a dedicated and passionate leader, and we will miss his service and advocacy for all students,” school board Chair Brenda Sheridan said. “He effectively promotes high quality teaching and learning, while working to build an inclusive, safe learning environment with high expectations for all students.”

The board said it plans to name an interim superintendent in December.

School districts of Loudoun County’s size and complexity usually conduct a methodical, nationwide search for a superintendent, in conjunction with an education executive search firm and stakeholder committees, a school board news release said.