Como-Pickton High School Principal Kelly Baird was recognized as Texas Association of Secondary Principals’ Region 8 Outstanding High School Principal of the year today (Sept. 1, 2021). He received his award in front of representatives of the 46 different schools in the region. Congratulations to Mr. Baird on this recognition.
Kelly Baird in July 2017 accepted the top campus job at CPHS, which allowed him to work closer to his home in Mount Vernon. Prior to that, he had been driving to Texarkana to work as the 9th grade principal. He’d considered retiring after 26 years in education, but decided he enjoys it too much to give it up, and accepted the position in Texas High School. When a former colleague recommended him for the CPHS job, Baird interviewed in 2017 with Dr. Greg Baird, who hadn’t been on the job too long himself. He said he had heard about the heard a lot of great things about the students and staff, the community at Como-Pickton and was excited to become part of that tradition.
While Baird’s official duties are to serve as the top administrator for his campus, Baird in an interview after being hired at CPCISD in 2017 said had is not averse to pitching in to help in the classroom or whatever capacity, if needed. He said he loves the classroom, and working with kids and teachers. He believes it’s important for kids to see their administrators at games and competitions, to know someone is there for them.
He spent 10 years in construction, before deciding at age 30 to attend college to become a teacher. After earning a bachelor of science from East Texas State University, Baird’s first teaching job allowed him to share his love of math by teaching everything from algebra to AP calculus, at Quitman ISD.
In 2000, Baird transferred to Mount Vernon ISD, In 2000, where he added coaching to his list of duties. He remained at Mount Vernon ISD until 2016. He also attained his middle management and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and event went on to earn a superintendent’s certificate TAMUC while employed at the school, and eventually became and administrator there. However, Baird says, once teacher always a teacher. As a principal he still works with students and teachers, just in a different capacity.
That love of job, students and staff, and willingness to work as needed wherever, whenever to become the puzzle piece needed for the good the students hasn’t gone unnoticed by students, staff, parents an colleagues.
