Conroe Courier October 19, 2023

A former Shepherd ISD director has been named to a lead role for the Willis ISD special education program, officials say. 

Randi Gay, a Montgomery resident, will serve as the special education director for Willis ISD, after serving in the same role at her previous employment, according to a release from Willis ISD. 

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Prior to working for Shepherd ISD, Gay served 15 year with Montgomery ISD, serving as a psychologist for the district as well as a special education coordinator, the release states. 

Gay replaces former Special Education Director Jamie Benson, who worked for the district since 2020, Willis ISD Communications Director Jamie Fails said.

Benson left the district to work for Sam Houston State University, where she is a clinical assistant professor, Fails said. 

“I’m honored and enthusiastic about the opportunity to join Willis ISD, and I am eager to contribute to the well-being of students, families, staff and the community of Willis,” Gay said in the district’s release. ” I possess a strong commitment to service and a genuine dedication to enhancing student outcomes and achievements. I am thrilled about the prospects that lie ahead and feel privileged to embark on this rewarding journey with Willis ISD.”

Lisa Long, the district’s diagnostician, will serve as the assistant director of special education. Long has worked for the district since 2018 and her new role was created in May to provide additional support for the special education director.

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“We are excited to have two wonderful individuals joining our team to lead the special education department,” said Interim Superintendent Tom Crowe in an email. “The experiences and perspectives they bring will be a huge asset to our program moving forward.” 

During the 2018-19 school year, about 650 students were in the district’s special education program. In May, about 980 students were in the program — a more than 300 student increase, said former Superintendent Tim Harkrider in a previous report. 

Almost a third of the district’s population jumped in a five-year period, he said.

Salaries for both new hires were not immediately available.Â