CHESTER – The Chester ISD Board of Trustees voted to name Cory Hines as the lone finalist for the position of the district’s superintendent.
Hines will replace Dr. Paul Drake. Gary Gazaway, who had served as the district’s superintendent from 1984 to 1995, has served as interim superintendent.
Hines will be a familiar face to those in Yellowjacket country. He previously served as Chester ISD’s superintendent from 2016 to 2021. The school board stated that they are excited to welcome him back to the district, and look forward to the leadership and experience that he will bring.
At present, Hines serves as superintendent of Neches ISD, where he arrived after leaving Chester in 2021.
In accordance with state law, a 21-day waiting period is required before Hines’s hiring can be made official. The board of trustees will schedule a meeting at the conclusion of that period to finalize his hiring.
“We appreciate the community’s support as we take this important step in the continued success of Chester ISD,” a statement from the board read.
