With the Levelland ISD (LISD) School Board election set for May 3, Gary Bridges continues to campaign for the at-large position since officially announcing his candidacy in January.
A familiar face for most community members in Levelland, Bridges has spent a majority of his career as an educator, coach and administrator for multiple generations of LISD students.
A Lobo since his days in public school, Bridges grew up learning the “Lobo Way”.
Leaving the area to attend college, he would eventually begin his career as an educator and coach. During this time, Bridges would also start a family of his own.
After 25 years away from his hometown, he would return in 2000 as a teacher and coach for LISD.
Serving as the Lobo’s basketball coach, Bridges would make the jump to administration. Finding himself in several locations throughout his administrative years, Bridges would become the assistant principal at the former junior high building and would also follow his students to the newly built middle school (LMS).
From there, he would become the principal at intermediate (LIS) for a few years. Two years would be spent at Cactus Elementary and then he found himself working with the Children’s Hope kids.
It would not be until 2013 that Bridges would be the principal at the high school (LHS) to close out his administrative career before retiring. However, coming out of retirement twice, Bridges would serve as assistant principal in short stints at the intermediate and at LABC.
Third time being the charm, Bridges decided to retire for a final time in May. However, wrapping up a lengthy career in education does not mean he has lost the energy to help guide students, faculty and those involved with LISD.
“I have been a Lobo my whole life from my earliest memories, and I have always had a strong heart for the Levelland School District,” said Bridges. “I just want the best for all the kids, teachers and administrators. “I have a love for LISD and seeing it be the quality school district that it’s always been, and I know that it has the capability to be.”
Despite enjoying retirement, Bridges knows he is not finished being a part of LISD.
“I feel like this is something I need to do,” stated Bridges. “If I have the time and energy to give to help make this district what it can be; then that’s where I can serve.”
Being a part of a recent town hall meeting, Bridges was able to introduce himself to community members and also hear questions and concerns regarding the district.
“My main takeaway from observing and listening in not only the town hall meeting but overall is that people want to be engaged in decision making and things that involve their children,” said Bridges. “The feeling I get is that people want to feel included, listened to and want to be involved in the overall processes of things that can make or break a school district.”
Bridges carries considerable knowledge from an educator and administrator standpoint but knows that a positive impact begins with working with others and involving stakeholders.
“I would rather be someone who watches, listens and could possibly offer a solid way to think about different things based on experience or what I have seen,” explained Bridges. “With my experience with kids, parents, teachers and administrators, I hope I have something that would be positive impact for the district.”
In regard to the school board decision making process, Bridges shared that moving the district forward in a positive manner is the most important goal. In turn, taking a deeper look into things and asking more questions is something he would not shy away from.
Referencing what he has learned in coaching, Bridges explained that if things are not working or as they appear then taking a step back and reevaluating the plan, situation or decision might be necessary.
“The goal is not to take over the entire process but to not be afraid to ask questions and peel it back a little bit,” said Bridges.
Looking at the totality of the district, Bridges feels that LISD needs to find its footing and determine what the “Lobo Way” looks like top-down.
“We have all that we need to be the district we need to be,” said Bridges. “We may be struggling a bit in places, but we can still be successful. I would like to be part of the answer or be of some help if I can.”