JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The Fort Sam Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees announced, by unanimous decision, Dr. Gary Bates as its new Superintendent of Schools July 31.
The board chose Bates for his established instructional leadership, strength in collaboration, and focus on student learning and achievement. He will begin his new role Aug. 6.
“Dr. Bates has a proven track record of making student-focused decisions that support high levels of academic success. His strength as a communicator and collaborative leader will be an asset as he advocates for the needs of the military child,” said Willie E. White, Board President. “We want to thank our school community for their support during this transition, and we believe Dr. Bates will be a visionary leader and great match for our staff, students and community.”
For the past four years as superintendent in Goodrich ISD, Bates reduced budgetary expenses through an energy efficiency project, operated on a balanced budget, decreased teacher absenteeism, increased student performance and increased the number of students taking advanced coursework.
“I am both humbled and blessed to work in a district whose mission is to serve military-connected children and their families,” Bates said. “I look forward to working with faculty and staff, building on current innovative practices and standards for academic rigor to create new ways of doing business that lead to new opportunities for students.”
Bates has more than 18 years of experience in public education, having served as an instructional aide, professional educator, athletic coach, athletic coordinator, assistant principal and principal.
Earning his doctorate in educational leadership from Prairie View A&M University in 2007 and his master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, he has also contributed to the educational community through his role as adjunct professor at Prairie View A&M University and St. Thomas University.
The new superintendent credits his experience as a U.S. Navy Reservist with helping him develop as an effective leader, striving to show that success is earned, not given, and that with faith, hard work and determination, all can reach the level of success they aspire to.