.png)
BASTROP — Bastrop Independent School District trustees last week named Deputy Superintendent Kristi Lee as interim superintendent and began public training on board governance ahead of the 2025–26 school year.
INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT
District leaders approved Lee’s appointment during its July 15 board meeting, following the June retirement of longtime Superintendent Barry Edwards. Lee’s interim role takes effect Aug. 1.
“We’re fortunate to have someone with Dr. Lee’s experience to lead the district during this time,” Board President Ashley Mutschink said. “As we begin a new school year, the board has deep confidence in Dr. Lee’s leadership and dedication to our schools and community, and knows the district is in excellent hands.” Lee has served as deputy superintendent since 2022 and brings more than 20 years of public education experience, including work as a teacher, principal and communications director. A Bastrop resident since 2016, she is active in the Bastrop Education Foundation, YMCA Board of Managers, Visit Bastrop Board of Directors and the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce.
“It is a privilege to serve as interim superintendent, and I appreciate the board’s trust and support,” Lee said. “This is a pivotal moment for Bastrop ISD, a time full of promise and opportunity. Together, we will confidently move Bastrop ISD forward, with students at the center of every decision.”
District officials said updates on the search for a permanent superintendent will be shared in the coming months, with opportunities for community input.
PROCESS AND ROLES
Also at the Tuesday meeting, trustees participated in public training focused on board duties and procedures — marking the first time the session was held in front of an audience.
Rhonda Crass of Mansfield-based education law firm Leasor Crass P.C. led the training, which had previously been held in closed sessions each December. Crass emphasized the board’s three core responsibilities: hiring a superintendent, setting policy and approving the tax rate.
Crass urged the board to establish a timeline for the superintendent search, calling it a key tool for managing expectations and ensuring transparency.
“It allows the community and staff to know what the board expects for the succession and leadership,” she said.
The session also covered how to handle public input, closed-session rules and conflicts of interest. Crass advised trustees to avoid intervening in classroom matters and redirect concerned parents to campus staff.
“First and foremost, as a board member, that’s not within your wheelhouse of power to go in and remedy a situation in a classroom,” she said. “If parents feel like they can call you and you’re going to fix their problem, that’s not good.”
Mutschink said the public format added value.
OTHER HIRES
To prepare for the fall semester, Bastrop ISD also recently approved two new elementary principals and made several director-level appointments.
Candice Pyles, assistant principal at Camino Real Elementary, was named principal of Emile Elementary, which serves about 600 students. She has more than a decade of experience, including time as a teacher, math coach and instructional specialist in Lamar CISD.
Kevin Hans, formerly principal of Karnes City Primary, will lead Mina Elementary, which enrolls more than 700 students. Hans has held leadership roles in multiple districts and helped bring national recognition to his previous campus.
Jeremy Small was named director of secondary education. He has worked in Center ISD, San Augustine ISD and Port Arthur ISD, with a record of improving student outcomes and expanding academic programs, officials said.
Danielle Riddick was appointed director of elementary education. She previously served in Richardson and Garland ISDs and is known for fostering leadership development and community partnerships, according to the board.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Bastrop ISD Service Center, 906 Farm St.
