Goldthwaite CISD superintendent named lone finalist for Elgin ISD
Dr. Christopher Bailey could leave Goldthwaite at the end of August to lead the district east of Austin.
By James Taylor
Goldthwaite Eagle
The Elgin ISD Board of Trustees voted Aug. 10 at a special called meeting to name Dr. Christopher Bailey as the lone finalist for superintendent, according to an announcement Monday in the district’s newsletter.
Bailey is currently superintendent of Goldthwaite CISD.
In a letter sent to GCISD staff Monday evening after the announcement, Bailey said he is grateful for the opportunity in Elgin but said sharing the news was difficult because of how much Goldthwaite CISD and its staff mean to him.
“I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together,” Bailey said. “Through challenges, change, and daily commitments to our students, you have continued to demonstrate the care, professionalism, and resolve that make this district special. Our progress has always been the result of a shared effort, and I will remain profoundly thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside you.”
Bailey said his immediate priority is to work with Goldthwaite staff to start the year strong, remain focused on students and provide the stability and support the campuses and departments need.
“I will continue serving Goldthwaite ISD through the end of this month, and I am committed to making the transition as smooth and orderly as possible,” Bailey said. “Thank you for your continued dedication to our Eagle students, families, and communities.”
Bailey told the Eagle that his wife Shelley and his sons will remain in Goldthwaite.
“While my service may be ending, being a part of this incredible community is not,” Bailey said.
GCISD Board of Trustees President Keri Roberts told the Eagle Monday evening that a special called meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, to discuss the district’s next steps, including the possible appointment of an interim superintendent.
“The Board of Trustees would like to thank Dr. Bailey for his time of service here at Goldthwaite CISD,” Roberts said. “His contributions helped make us better as we continually strive to provide the best educational experience for our students. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Roberts said the district is blessed to have a strong staff and administrators who will keep the district moving forward during the transition.
During Bailey’s tenure, GCISD increased funding through the Teacher Incentive Allotment and expanded curricular and extracurricular opportunities, as well as career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
Elgin ISD has an enrollment of over 6,200 students, according to the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer. It has 10 campuses – five elementary, one intermediate, one middle, and three high schools – and about 900 employees.
In a release from Elgin ISD, Board of Trustees President Byron Mitchell said the board is excited to welcome Bailey to the district.
“We believe he brings a wealth of experience to the position and is a great fit for our community,” Mitchell said. “We’re excited to watch him lead our Wildcats toward new possibilities.”
The Elgin ISD board must wait 21 days before voting to hire Bailey.
Bailey has been a Texas public school educator for more than 20 years. He joined GCISD in early 2024, succeeding Superintendent Ronny Wright, who retired after leading the district for 15 years. Before joining Goldthwaite Bailey served in Abilene and Katy. He was selected from a pool of more than 40 applicants for the Elgin ISD position.
