Priddy ISD recently issued the following joint statement from the Board of Trustees and Superintendent:

Dr. Cindy Woody has resigned as Superintendent of Priddy Independent School District to pursue new opportunities in public education. The Board and Dr. Woody mutually agreed the decision is in the best interests of both parties and the District.

We sincerely thank Dr. Woody for her dedication and contributions to our students, parents, and staff. Under Dr. Woody’s leadership, Priddy ISD achieved Superior financial ratings and increased the number of College, Career, and Technical Education courses, including dual credit, offered to students. Dr. Woody expresses her gratitude to the Board, staff, and community for their support during her tenure. We wish Dr. Woody all the best in her future endeavors.

The Board will soon begin the search for a new Superintendent to ensure smooth operations. Effective immediately, Mr. James Baize will serve as interim Superintendent to support the District.

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would also like to inform our community that the Board has accepted Mr. Bucky Bates’ resignation as principal of Priddy Independent School District. We thank Mr. Bates for his service to the Priddy ISD community. Effective immediately, Mr. James Baize will initiate hiring an interim principal.

Mr. Baize will be supported and work in coordination with the Conservator appointed by the Texas Education Agency, Dr. Brenda Martinez.

According to the Texas Education Agency website, conservators provide leadership, guidance, and support to school systems working to overcome historical systemic challenges and operate in an effective and sustainable manner that improves student outcomes.

The TEA website further states the Commissioner of Education may appoint a conservator when a school system does not meet criteria for accreditation, academic accountability, and/or financial accountability; when findings of an investigation warrant an intervention; when a charter district is closing; and when it is necessary to prevent substantial and imminent harm to students.

The Division of Governance Interventions leads this stream of work for the Commissioner by providing coordination, training, and support to conservators, ensuring public school systems develop sustainable district and governance systems that lead to improved student outcomes.