After eight years of dedicated service to the Angleton ISD community and 38 years in Texas public education, AISD Superintendent Phil Edwards has announced his intent to retire this summer.
“The work Mr. Edwards has done during his time in AISD is invaluable,” AISD Board of Trustees President Tommy Gaines said. “The district has seen growth and success under his leadership, and we will work hard to find the right leader to fill his shoes, someone who will move AISD into its future.”
Gaines says the school board will start its search for AISD’s next superintendent immediately.
“We want to assure the AISD community that our priority is to maintain the district’s momentum and ensure that the ‘Achieving Excellence' vision remains solid and uninterrupted through this transition,” he said. “Over the next few weeks and months, we will begin the superintendent search, and our goal is to find a leader who embodies the Wildcat spirit and who can build upon the foundation of excellence that has been a long-standing tradition in AISD.”
In his remaining time in AISD, Edwards will continue his work to increase excellence in the district and will focus on assisting with the district’s transition of leadership.
“I believe new leadership will continue and build on our success, bringing new ideas to the table,” he said. “I plan to finish the year strong with my team, and my goal is to help make the leadership transition as smooth as possible for all.”
Edwards attributes the district's success during his tenure to the dedication and support of the AISD staff, leadership team, school board, and community.
“It has been an honor to work with such incredible individuals,” Edwards said. “Our teachers and staff, leadership team, and school board deserve all the credit for working so passionately together to reach such high levels of excellence and success for our students and the AISD community.”
Under Edwards’ leadership, AISD has achieved many recognitions and successes. In addition to various student academic and extracurricular accomplishments, the district has seen strategic growth, strong facility and infrastructure improvements, and high levels of financial stewardship. AISD has been named a finalist twice for the HEB Excellence in Education - School District Award, was chosen as a 2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase District, and passed two major bond referendums totalling more than $286 million while still lowering the district tax rate by 23 cents.
“I am very proud of the time I have spent as part of the Wildcat family and of the many accomplishments our district, staff, and students have achieved,” Edwards said. “Serving as the AISD Superintendent has been the greatest honor of my professional life, and I truly believe that it is the dedication and commitment of all our Wildcat community that makes AISD so special.”
AISD Highlights Under Edwards’ Leadership
District Recognition:
Finalist for the 2024 and 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Small School District Award
2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase District with every school in the district earning either Showcase or Promising Practice status
Southside Elementary distinction as a National School of Character
Angleton Junior High distinction as a National School to Watch
Academic Excellence & Student Success:
Achieved an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2022
Attained a remarkable 99 percent graduation rate and increased the College, Career and Military Readiness rating by 45 percentage points
Expanded early childhood opportunities by launching a full-day Pre-Kindergarten program
Doubled dual credit enrollment and implemented a policy where the district funds 100 percent of college course costs for families
Enhanced workforce readiness with students earning 600 industry certifications annually
Launched the Catalyst program for underserved students to gain high-paying certifications in technology fields
Established a self-funded JROTC program, resulting in 400 percent increase in military enlistments
Financial Stewardship & Strategic Growth
Maintained eight consecutive years of “A” ratings in the Texas school financial rating system (FIRST)
Successfully passed two major bond referendums totaling more than $286 million
Demonstrated exceptional fiscal management by completing all the 2019 Bond projects $11 million under budget and the 2022 Bond projects with an expected $35 million in savings
Lowered the district tax rate by 23 cents even while managing large-scale bond programs
Increased the district fund balance by $23 million
Invested in staff by increasing beginning teacher pay by 12 percent and pay for veteran teachers (10+ years) by 20 percent
Created a self-funded “Grow Our Own” teacher preparation program, successfully placing 31 teachers within the district
Facilities & Infrastructure Improvements
Oversaw the construction of a new elementary school and new junior high school
Developed a nationally recognized CTE center that has earned multiple architectural distinctions, including the Learning Design Outstanding Project Award
Completed a new transportation center, softball field improvements, and district–wide safety and facility upgrades
Extracurricular & Community Achievements
Celebrated a State-Champion softball team and a State-Qualifying marching band
Earned the title of “Best Community for Music Education” for three consecutive years