Bastrop school district Superintendent Edwards to retire

After seven years at the helm and 17 years with the Bastrop school district, Superintendent Barry Edwards plans to retire, the district announced Wednesday. Officials didn't immediately have Edwards' final date of work with the district.

Working in Bastrop has been the "honor of a lifetime," Edwards said in a statement.

"From my first classroom in El Paso to my years in Bastrop ISD, I've had the privilege of working alongside passionate educators, dedicated families, and inspiring students," Edwards said. "I will always be grateful for the trust and support this community has shown me."

Edwards' time as superintendent has been marked by significant growth for the Bastrop district. Student enrollment has boomed 19% and local voters approved two bond packages to build new schools and accommodate the growth: a $183.7 million bond in 2021 and a $321.5 million bond in 2023.

The district also moved from offering half-day to full-day pre-kindergarten classes and opened a family resource and health clinic during Edwards' tenure.

A career educator, Edwards taught in El Paso, Socorro and Ysleta before coming to Bastrop. Edwards' salary is $276,826.09, according to the district.

Edwards' announcement comes just days Eanes Superintendent Jeff Arnett announced he would step down at the end of July. The Lake Travis district's Board of Trustees also last month hired a new superintendent, Curtis Null, after former leader Paul Norton resigned Feb. 7 following an investigation that stemmed from a December complaint, the nature of which the district didn't reveal.

Officials expect an interim superintendent, who is yet to be selected, will begin working Aug. 1, when the Bastrop district's Board of Trustees will begin searching for a new leader.