The Elysian Fields ISD Board of Trustees approved the recommendations of EFISD administration for three new administrative hires for the 2023-2024 school year.
Mrs.
Shay Thompson will serve as Principal at Elysian Fields High School, with Dr.
Kelly Cordray being named the new Principal of Elysian Fields Elementary School.
The district also has hired Mr.
John Best as EFISD's new Chief Operations Officer.
Mrs.
Shay Thompson is beginning her 24th year in education, having taught elementary school in Marshall ISD and Hallsville ISD for 13 years. She has been Vice Principal at Longview High School, Principal at Forest Park Middle School, Oakley Elementary and Waskom Elementary. She currently serves as an Assistant Coordinator at Texas Virtual Academy in Hallsville ISD.
Mrs. Thompson received her bachelor's degree from East Texas Baptist University, as well as a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction. She received a Masters of Education Administration from Texas A&M - Texarkana.
"I love school," Mrs. Thompson said. "I love to support teachers and students, and I love to see a school thrive and grow. Learning and school should be fun for both students and teachers. I am beyond excited to join the EF family!"
Shay has been married to her husband, James, for 40 years and they have two adult children, Katie and Harrison. In 2022 they became grandparents to Brooklynne Grace. The Thompsons live in Marshall and attend Immanuel Baptist Church.
Dr.
Kelly Cordray is lifelong East Texas resident and graduate of Marshall High School. She earned a Bachelor's in Secondary Education from Baylor University, a Masters of Educational Leadership from Texas A&M - Texarkana, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading from Texas A&M University.
During her career in education, she has spent nine years teaching at various elementary grade levels before spending another nine years as an administrator at both the campus and district levels. She has also served in administration at Region 8 Education Service Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Dr. Cordray says that one of her favorite roles to date is that of being a primary principal, as she is a strong believer in foundational literacy. For the last four years, she has taught pre-service teachers how to effectively teach Reading at Texas A&M - Texarkana.
"I moved back to the area in 2022 so that my daughter could attend high school in Carthage," said Dr. Cordray. "Since that time I have fallen in love again with being home in East Texas, and I look forward to serving the Elysian Fields Elementary staff, students, and families."
Mr.
John Best, the district's new Chief Operations Officer, is a retired law enforcement officer with the Marshall Police Department.
Mr. Best has served as a captain, lieutenant, K-9 sergeant, and patrolman with MPD. He is also a graduate of Elysian Fields High School.
"I am glad to be returning to EF and I look forward to working with all staff and students in the district," Mr. Best said.