Stephenville ISD’s Board of Trustees set to elect new leadership as Chad Elms steps down as president.

Chad Elms

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

This story has been updated: Dr. Robert Barberee has been voted in as the new president of the Stephenville ISD Board of Trustees.

Trustee Donny Hill will remain as the board's vice president and Matt Miller is the new secretary.

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After three years of serving as president of the Stephenville ISD Board of Trustees, Chad Elms is stepping down, but will continue serving as a trustee for the remainder of his term, which expires in May 2027.

The board is set to elect a new president during Monday night’s meeting.

"This isn’t a decision made out of disagreement or dissatisfaction, but rather, one out of a desire to ‘pass the torch’ on to another capable member of the board,” Elms told Beneath the Surface News.

“I’ve always seen the role of the board president not as a marathon to be run alone, but as a sprint relay to be won together. We are incredibly fortunate to have six other trustees, any one of whom is fully capable and ready to take the baton and lead us forward with excellence.”

Over the past three years, the district has achieved a number of historic milestones like expanding its academic programming, strengthening support for teachers and staff and performing at a high level across academics, fine arts, UIL competition and athletics.

The board has also invested in campus improvements, most notably by constructing the Art Briles Stadium, which is expected to host graduation this Friday.

“I’m so proud of what we've been able to accomplished as a board over the last three years, and I know we will continue to be successful because we have amazing kids, supportive families, dedicated staff and a community that truly believes in our district,” Elms said.

Beneath the Surface News will report on who the board elects as its next president as soon as the decision is made.