.png)
Elgin Independent School District is weeks away from naming its next superintendent after selecting a seasoned Texas educator as the lone finalist for the position.
Trustees named Christopher Bailey sole finalist during a special-called meeting Aug. 8, following a monthslong search led by the Texas Association of School Boards that drew more than 40 applicants. Under state law, trustees must wait 21 days before voting to formally hire him, with a contract vote expected in September.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Bailey to Elgin ISD,” Board President Byron Mitchell said in a statement. “We believe he brings a wealth of experience to the position and is a great fit for our community.”
Bailey currently serves as superintendent of Goldthwaite Consolidated Independent School District and has more than 20 years of experience as an educator. He previously served as executive director for student supports and campus principal in Abilene and spent 15 years with Katy Independent School District.
Bailey said his immediate priority during the waiting period will be getting acquainted with the district. He identified student performance and accountability as an interest and early area of focus.
“I plan to do a lot of meeting folk and just try to get the lay of the land and understand what the conditions are in the district,” he said. “I know that there are some challenges within the district around student learning, specifically around accountability, and I want to be part of that solution for kids.”
During his time in Katy, enrollment grew from about 43,000 to 96,000 students. Bailey said that experience gives him an edge with working in a fast growing district like Elgin.
Demographic projections show Elgin ISD enrollment could nearly double over the next decade.
“I’m familiar with fast growth areas,” Bailey said. “It sounds like a great opportunity to really design the future for Elgin ISD and the families and community at large.”
Bailey’s selection follows the retirement of Superintendent Jana Rueter, who stepped down in June after 34 years in public education, including four as Elgin ISD’s leader. Rueter will serve as superintendent emeritus through Dec. 31.
Stormy Hickman was selected as interim superintendent to lead the district during the transition and the search for a permanent replacement.
