Barry Edwards began his career in public education more than 30 years ago in El Paso, Texas. As a teacher, then later a principal and district leader in both the Socorro and Ysleta school districts, Mr. Edwards built a reputation as a strong advocate for schoolchildren and public education.

For the last 13 years, he has put that leadership and advocacy to work on behalf of the students and staff of Bastrop Independent School District. Edwards became Superintendent of Bastrop ISD in 2018, and in that short time has led his team in achieving significant district improvements, including:

• Earning an 'A' in College, Career & Military Readiness
• Earning a 'B' academic rating overall
• Opening of the BISD Family Resource Center, which is a partnership with community agencies such as Salvation Army, Community Action, Christian's Closet and the food pantry
• Opening of the BISD Health Clinic, which is a pediatric clinic in partnership with Community Health Centers of South Central Texas and Bluebonnet Trails to provide medical and behavioral health services to students and their families
• Reducing teacher turnover, keeping the best and brightest teachers and professionals right here in Bastrop ISD,and raising teacher compensation to remain competitive in the Central Texas area
• Increasing student access to technology and the internet
• Expanding half-day pre-k to full-day pre-k at all elementary schools
• Passing the 2021 bond election for $183,650,000, which includes two new elementary schools and outlines projects at every campus

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in school leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso. He earned a Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Edwards' wife of 32 years, Merridith, is an elementary school teacher for Austin ISD. They have two daughters, Madeline, a graduate of Texas A&M University, and Victoria, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. They are joined by their fur babies Bailey, Buddy and Penny.