Texas Education Agency Appoints Beaumont ISD Board of Managers and Superintendent

AUSTIN, Texas - April 29, 2026 - The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today announced the appointment of a seven-member Board of Managers and selection of a new superintendent to lead the Beaumont Independent School District.

"For more than a decade, persistent academic struggles have held students back from reaching their full potential. Today's actions reaffirm our commitment to the children of Beaumont, by putting them first," said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. "I am deeply grateful to the community members who have volunteered to serve on the Board of Managers and for their willingness to lead with children at the center of every decision, as we work together to deliver the best possible education for Beaumont's students."

Commissioner Morath named Sandi Massey as the new superintendent of Beaumont ISD. Superintendent Massey began working today under a 21-day interim contract, pending formal approval from the Board of Managers at an upcoming board meeting.

Massey is a proven education leader with more than three decades of experience serving students across public school systems. Her career spans Texas, from North Texas to the Gulf Coast, including service as Chief of Schools in Houston. She has focused on strengthening instructional quality, developing strong leaders, and using data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes across entire school systems. Massey is committed to high expectations and strong systems that support teaching and learning, with a proven record of translating vision into measurable results. Massey's leadership experience and focus on academic improvements will be a critical asset to advancing student success and benefiting students across Beaumont ISD.

Commissioner Morath appointed the following individuals to the Beaumont ISD Board of Managers:

Desmond Bridges Sr.: Desmond Bridges Sr. is a Beaumont native and West Brook High School graduate, with more than 22 years of experience in education and administration. He has a strong understanding of student and campus needs with a grounding in service, accountability and a commitment to excellence. As a parent of a current student, as well as a graduate of Beaumont ISD, he is deeply invested in the district and the community that shaped him. Bridges is involved in the community, supporting mentoring programs and service initiatives that strengthen and uplift Beaumont's youth.

Darrian Graves: Combining a passion for youth mentorship, education and storytelling, Darrian Graves is dedicated to investing in the future of Beaumont's young people. He is a young adult pastor and former Beaumont journalist, who also volunteers and serves in leadership roles with multiple community organizations. Graves is also a proud father, looking ahead to his child's future in Beaumont ISD.

Elias Ibarra: An honor graduate of Central High School, Elias Ibarra brings a unique blend of high stakes operational expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to school transformation and the success and safety of the next generation. With a career defined by service-first as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and later as an educator, Ibarra has consistently stepped up to lead when it matters most. He is a father of three and a local business owner, personally invested in the district's future.

Laurie Leister: With deep roots in Beaumont, Laurie Leister is a Beaumont ISD graduate with a longstanding commitment to community service and leadership. Her professional background spans real estate, city planning and county government. A mother of five Beaumont ISD graduates, she remains dedicated to the continued success of the city, students and the institutions that serve them.

Arthur Louis Jr.: As a distinguished educator, mentor and community leader, Arthur Louis Jr. has dedicated his life to youth development, faith and public service. Holding degrees in education and educational administration, he has spent decades coaching, teaching and mentoring young people. Through his leadership, he has helped shape the lives of students by instilling discipline, accountability and respect, while guiding them toward successful pathways.

Daniel Parker: Daniel Parker is the parent of Beaumont ISD graduates whose education provided a strong foundation for success in college and their careers. That experience shaped his commitment to ensuring every child in the community has access to the same opportunities. With 30 years of experience as a commercial lender, Parker brings a focus on financial responsibility and community stability, along with a lifelong commitment to service and mentorship.

Jeff Wheeler: Jeff Wheeler is a business and community leader with more than 14 years leading marketing and corporate relations efforts. A graduate of West Brook High School, he brings a deep connection to the community he calls home. Through his professional leadership and volunteer efforts, Wheeler remains focused on creating opportunities, strengthening connections and supporting the long-term success of the Beaumont community.

The appointed Board of Managers today temporarily replaces the current elected board of trustees and is responsible for overseeing the management of the school district. The Board of Managers will hold public board meetings and is subject to the same legal requirements and obligations as an elected Board of Trustees. This includes holding all meetings in public, allowing for public comment, holding public hearings and posting all required budget and tax information for public review and discussion.

The Board of Managers will work collaboratively with Superintendent Massey to ensure Beaumont ISD educators and staff have the tools and resources needed to support student success in the classroom and beyond. In partnership with the superintendent, the Board of Managers will guide the district toward sustainable improvement and work to meet the exit criteria set forth by TEA for the transition back to the elected board. The exit criteria that address the underlying causes for intervention include (1) ensuring the district has zero multi-year unacceptable campuses, (2) improving student proficiency for all students in Reading and Mathematics, and (3) using the Lone Star Governance Continuous Framework, the School Board must achieve a "Meets Focus".

Background on Agency Intervention and Board of Managers Process

In December 2025, TEA announced its intent to appoint a Board of Managers and superintendent after several Beaumont ISD campuses received consecutive failing accountability ratings. One campus has not earned an acceptable performance rating since the 2013-14 school year, while another school has never met an acceptable standard since opening in the 2011-12 school year. This action to appoint new leadership is required under House Bill 1842, a bipartisan law passed in 2015 by the Texas Legislature.

Applications for the Board of Managers were received from the Beaumont residents with a diverse array of skill sets and expertise.

• Total applications: 106
• Total applications from within BISD Boundaries: 92
• Male - 50, Female - 56
• African American/Black - 64, White - 33, Hispanic - 4, Other - 5
• Educational Attainment: Doctorate - 21, Master's - 41, Bachelor's - 33, High School Diploma, Associate or Certification - 11
• Lone Star Governance: 77 candidates completed the required LSG training

Previous Intervention

In 2014, former Commissioner of Education Michael Williams appointed a Board of Managers for Beaumont ISD. That intervention was non-academic in nature and was implemented to address financial mismanagement and compliance issues by the Board of Trustees at that time. The intervention was successful, resulting in clean financial audits and a return to elected board governance which began in 2018 and was completed in 2020.

Superintendent Selection Criteria

Per statutory authority granted by House Bill 1842, the Texas Education Commissioner is required to appoint a Board of Managers and a superintendent. TEA conducted a national search and interviewed candidates with a strong track record of improving outcomes for students in prior school system leadership roles. Additionally, candidates were evaluated for competencies in several key areas, including curriculum and instructional leadership, student support services, talent management, performance management, systems leadership and community engagement and communication.

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