WRIGHT BIDS FAREWELL
Longtime superintendent to retire in June
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

City Manager Larry Morgan and BISD Superintendent Jim Wright stand at the newly created and named street, Panther Crossing, that runs beside the high school campus. -- photo by Lori Mellinger

Bullard ISD Superintendent Jim Wright said it was with mixed emotions that he announced his retirement at last week's school board meeting.

When he took the post 11 years ago, he said the district was in turmoil, but the board had a great vision - which was why he took on the job.

Now after a long tenure in Bullard, Wright is retiring - for the second time - as of June.

"I started 11 years ago under the board's vision and guidance," he said. "And I'm leaving - in what is now - a stable district."

He said the board - both past and present - has been a benefit to both the district and the community and that the community has risen to the occasion to support BISD.

"It takes everyone's help to make a successful district," he said, "from the community to the educators to the staff. I think we have the best of everything."

Wright said he picked June because it's the best time to find a new superintendent.

With two successful school bonds under his belt, he's leaving having accomplished both the district and board's goals.

Bullard passed a bond to build a new high school in 1998.

"It was then that I was sure we were on the right track," he said.

Bullard has, in the past several years, seen tremendous growth. And when growth comes, it hits the schools first.

"The growth really started in the Lake Palestine area," he said.

There were 1,250 students at BISD when Wright started. To date there are 1,760.

He expects the growth to continue.

That's why he was especially pleased when voters approved a $29.5 million bond issue in 2006.

"This should take the district through about 10 more years," Wright said. "That's how I've planned before - to address buildings and expansions on a 10-year basis."

But that's not all he's proud of.

"When folks come to Bullard, it's because of our reputation," he said. "We have high expectations - for our students and faculty.

"When students graduate, they are prepared to go in any direction or career and be a successful citizen."

He said the small environment is a plus.

"Because we're still small, students are able to take on many leadership positions and learn those skills," he said. "And we encourage kids to participate in whatever they choose."

He said this also helps with parental involvement.

"When kids are involved, so are parents," Wright said. "And the more active the parents, the more it enhances both the students and district's performance."

Wright also chose June because of the building projects.

"We're at a close as far as building goes, and that is a good transition time for a new superintendent," he said. "It's easier for a new superintendent to come in after building projects.

He said they shouldn't have too much trouble filling his spot.

"It's an attractive job," he said. "The board has a chance to find an excellent superintendent."

Wright began his career in education at Lufkin ISD teaching biology and coaching basketball and football, as well as volunteering with baseball.

In 1968, he was offered and accepted the Athletic Director position in Brownsboro, but - he said - his roots came calling.

"Lufkin enticed me to come back there," he said. He again taught and coached until the vice-principal was moved to the principal's spot and he was offered the vacated spot.

He began to move more into administration.

In 1971, he accepted a principal's job in Navasota where he stayed for four years.

In 1975, he went back to Lufkin, where he stayed for 10 years, moving to the central office and working his way up to superintendent of Lufkin ISD.

In 1996, Wright thought his career in education was over. He retired from Lufkin and moved to East Texas.

"I lost my dad a few years earlier and my wife Lynnetta's parents were ill," he said. "They lived around here, and we needed to come back."

Wright's retirement lasted a whopping six months before he was back at work.

"I was too young to retire, so when New Summerfield asked me to serve as interim superintendent, I didn't hesitate," he said.

And then Bullard came calling.

For three months in 1997, Wright was working two jobs - both in New Summerfield and Bullard - until New Summerfield found a replacement and he was able to focus fully on Bullard.

But, he said, he's never been one to change just for change's sake, so he didn't take the decision lightly.

And he said he's proud of what's happened in Bullard.

"Overall, it's been great helping a staff that's willing to grow, change and meet challenges," Wright said. "I've abided by the saying that you're either green and growing or ripe and falling off the vine."

And he believes the district has maintained a climate of learning for everyone.

"It's the most enjoyable job I've ever had," he said. "Education gets in your blood."

Board member John Alexander said Wright has provided a stable force in guiding the school system in the last decade.

"His knowledge and guidance have given us a financially stable system and for that we're grateful," Alexander said.

He sends his best to the family.

"I wish him and Lynnetta Godspeed in their future endeavors," Alexander said.

Most telling, he said there's never been a day he's not wanted to come to work.

But he said there are other things he and Lynnetta want to accomplish.

"We have a lot to do and we want the freedom to do it," he said. "You wait too long and you could miss the chance.

"It's time for us to follow some of our dreams."