Latexo ISD Accepts Retirement, Voluntary Resignation of Easterly

By Sarah Naron

Messenger Reporter

LATEXO – The retirement and voluntary resignation of Latexo Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Stacy Easterly was unanimously accepted by the LISD Board of Trustees during a called meeting held Thursday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Latexo High School library.

Immediately after calling the meeting to order, the board convened in an executive session lasting roughly 90 minutes.

According to a joint statement released by the LISD Board of Trustees and Dr. Easterly, Dr. Easterly “will remain available to support the leadership transition” following her departure.

“On behalf of the entire District, the Board of Trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Easterly for her efforts while serving as Superintendent of this school district and its students, parents and administrators, and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire District team during Dr. Easterly’s tenure as Superintendent,” the joint statement said.

Dr. Easterly possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. Prior to beginning her role as superintendent in the fall of 2016, she served as the Latexo Elementary School principal for nearly a decade.

Following the acceptance of Dr. Easterly’s retirement and voluntary resignation, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Gary Gazaway as interim superintendent.

“I’m excited to be able to be a part of the school district,” Gazaway said. “I’ve heard a lot of great things down through the years, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Gazaway, who resides in Livingston, explained that he is coming out of retirement in order to fill the LISD superintendent position.

“After I retired, I did interim for a year at Big Sandy,” he said. “I enjoy coming out and spending some time. I don’t want to go back in full time, but I enjoy coming back out and working with the districts.”

LISD Board President Kelly Nicol said the board looks forward to working with Gazaway until a permanent superintendent is hired.

“We have confidence that he will be a great bridge to our future,” Nicol said.

Sarah Naron may be reached via email at [email protected].