The Pleasant Grove Independent School District is promoting several employees to new positions.
Ashley Barker will become the new Director of Learning Services and Jay Sutton is the new Director of Bands.
Here is the Press Release from PGISD concerning Ashley Barker:
Courtesy PGISD
The Pleasant Grove Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Ashley Barker for the Director of Learning Services position in their meeting on Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Barker is the current principal at Pleasant Grove Middle School, and she has been with the Pleasant Grove Independent School District for 14 years. During her time with the Pleasant Grove Independent School District, Barker has taught third grade, fifth grade, and held positions as Pleasant Grove Elementary, Intermediate, and High School Assistant Principal. Her career began at New Boston ISD teaching third and fourth grade.
“Mrs. Barker’s leadership experiences, knowledge, and understanding of our systems are crucial to leading the growth of our students and staff. She has done a tremendous job of leading our middle school campus,” Superintendent Chad Pirtle said. “I look forward to working with Mrs. Barker as we continue in our mission of ensuring high levels of learning for all students.”
Barker graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 2004, and she earned her Master of Science in Education Administration in 2008 from Texas A&M University -Texarkana. Barker is currently working on her doctorate in Education Administration from Texas A&M University – Commerce. Barker and her husband,
Chris, have one son, Easton.
Here is the Press Release concerning Jay Sutton:
Courtesy PGISD
The Pleasant Grove Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Jay Sutton to be the Director of Bands in their meeting on Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Mr. Sutton, a proud alumnus of Pleasant Grove ISD, has ten years of experience in education, spending the past seven years at Redwater High School as the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair. At Redwater, his bands were consistent Sweepstakes Award winners and were a two-time Finalist at the UIL State Marching Band Championships.
Prior to his appointment at Redwater ISD, Sutton was an Assistant Band Director at Texarkana ISD. He currently serves on the State Board of Directors for the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) as the Region IV Coordinator. He is also the ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band Organizer.
Sutton received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Henderson State University. He and his wife, Kim, also an alumna of PGISD, reside in Texarkana with their two young boys, Reid (3), and Benjamin (1).
