It’s official! Barry Bassett is the new superintendent of the Italy ISD following a called meeting of the School Board of Trustees Tuesday evening.

The Italy School Board of Trustees named Bassett, superintendent of the Avery ISD, as lone finalist in their superintendent search earlier in the month. School districts are required to release the name of superintendent finalists 21 days before the hiring choice is made official.

Following a half-hour executive session with Bassett Tuesday, the trustees reconvened into open session. Larry Eubanks made the motion to hire Bassett with a second from Marty Haight. The motion passed unanimously.

Bassett has been superintendent in the Avery ISD for five years and in the education field 23 years.

The trustees liked several things about the candidate during the interview process.

In 2010, U.S. News and World Report recognized Avery High School, for the third year in a row, as one of the best high schools in the nation based on test scores and college readiness of its graduating seniors.

Bassett said the administration and staff entered into a “systematic change.”

Bassett said they formulated a mission statement that established a method of accountability district-wide in which everyone looks out for one another and works together to create the best possible atmosphere for learning.

Bassett said he and his wife, Dora, are excited about coming to Italy.

Although Bassett officially takes charge July 1, Cheryl Owen, school board president, said he would be working in the district throughout much of May and June.

Bassett, a native of Avery, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters of Education Degree from Texas A&M in Texarkana.

The Bassets have three sons.

_Comment by James Viers 4/28/11, 12:12pm

Bq. Congratulations to Mr. Barry Bassett on his selection as the new superintendent of the Italy ISD. It looks like our school board has hit a home run with his selection and I look forward to the future improvements to our proud school district. Our children deserve a quality education and need to be best prepared to go out into the world and make a difference.
And to the weaker members of our school board I just hope that one day you don’t wake up and decide that you don’t like the color tie that Mr. Bassett wears or maybe the colonge he has on that day. As taxpayers I’m not sure we can afford to pay a 4th superintendent in less than 2 years and with the grim financial forecast that faces districts all across the state we need to see better decision making by our school board. I would not view this school year as one to brag on.
Lastly I want to Thank Mr Williams for coming in and keeping the school running in the right direction during the current school year.

Bq. James Viers