Grapevine-Colleyville ISD named Holly Ray its new chief of schools.

The GCISD board of trustees unanimously approved the finalist at its May 22 meeting. The position was previously known as deputy superintendent, which Superintendent Brad Schnautz held before stepping into his current role.

The chief of schools position will provide principal support while overseeing the executive director of athletics as well as the directors of career and technical education, counseling, fine arts, health services, and student services, Schnautz said in the meeting. Ray began her position immediately.

Past experience:
  • Ray joined GCISD in April 2022 as the director of english language arts and literacy.
  • Previously, she served as a middle school principal for three years in New Caney ISD and as an elementary principal for four years in Magnolia ISD.
  • She has experience in the classroom with English language arts and Advanced Placement language and composition.
“Dr. Ray’s vast administrative experience across all levels has given her the knowledge and understanding to succeed as she steps into this new role,” Schnautz said in a news release from the district. “I look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the organization as we build upon the exceptional opportunities and high achievement in GCISD.”

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in secondary English from Houston Baptist University
  • Master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin University
  • Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
“I am incredibly humbled to serve GCISD in this way and so grateful for a district and community that puts kids first,” Ray said at the meeting.