Lee holds a master’s and a doctorate in educational leadership from Sam Houston State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Stephen F. Austin State University. She began her career in business before becoming a teacher in Normangee ISD, where she later became principal at an elementary school, then a high school. She also served as a high school principal in Cuero ISD.
She first joined BISD in 2016, serving as the district’s associate superintendent and executive director of communications and community relations.
Lee spoke with Community Impact in December about her goals for BISD. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you get into education?
When I was a little girl, my dream was to be a teacher. I grew up in a time when teachers and school were really respected, and that’s what I wanted to be. It’s what several of my friends wanted to be. ... It was always something that I wanted to do, but I didn’t. I went to university to be a teacher, but I didn’t go right into education. At that time, I had a change of heart. I took a different path, and I spent 20 years in a career in business. But that tug to go to be in the classroom was always pulling at me. I did that, finally, as an older adult and loved it. I loved my time as a teacher.
You’ve mentioned Bastrop ISD has improved academically, but we still have work to do. What does that roadmap look like for you?
I should say we’re in our third year of that road map. That started with massive curriculum changes. Just a total overhaul. ... We’re in year three of that curriculum journey, and I believe we are seeing the successes. It’s not all curriculum. We’ve invested so much in teachers and in professional development; we’ve invested so much in our systems and processes. We want to be an “A” district. We want to have “A” schools. That’s not where we are yet. So that journey continues with curriculum and instruction and high-quality teachers and staff, and well-trained and successful school principals. All of that works together, hopefully in harmony.
What do you want Bastrop ISD to know about you?
I want people to know—and I think that they do—I know lots of people in this town and have really strong relationships with them. I love this place. I’m a regular person, very much a regular person. I didn’t come from means; I’m a small-town girl at heart. I just also happen to love shoes. I think another thing I would want them to know is that I am absolutely going to do my very best, because I love this place. I love students and teachers, and I believe that I can do the best job, and that’s what I’ll definitely wake up and try to do every day.
