.png)
Elgin Independent School District has brought in its next leader, with trustees voting on their superintendent selection Sept. 1 following a required waiting period.
The vote brings in Christopher Bailey three weeks af ter trustees named him the lone finalist in a monthslong search that drew more than 40 applicants. State law required the district to wait 21 days before formally making the hire, though officials said he has already spent time visiting campuses and meeting community members in his first few days.
“I am not a behindthe- desk superintendent,” Bailey said in a statement. “If you want to find me, look in a classroom, a hallway, a bus lane, a gym, a band hall or the stands.”
Bailey comes to Elgin with more than 20 years of experience in public education, recently serving as superintendent of Goldthwaite Consolidated Independent School District.
Bailey told the Courier in August that his early priorities would include getting to know the district and addressing challenges surrounding academic development.
“I know that there are some challenges within the district around student learning, specifically around accountabi l it y, and I want to be part of that solution for kids,” he said.
Bailey succeeds Jane Rueter, who retired in June after 34 years in public education, including four years leading Elgin ISD. Rueter will serve as superintendent emeritus through Dec. 31.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Bailey to Elgin ISD,” board President Byron Mitchell said in statement. “We believe he brings a wealth of experience and is a great fit for our community.”
Stormy Hickman served as interim superintendent during the transition.
_ __
