Reception held for outgoing superintendent

Judy Flanigan, left, District Director for Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford), presents WISD Superintendent Dr. Beau Rees with a flag that was recently flown over the Texas State Capitol Building in his honor on May 19 at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center May 19.

And as soon as Dr. Beau Rees entered the room, the board knew it had the “perfect” candidate, Guest added.

“I can see the light; I see him glow,” Guest recalled hearing fellow member Greg Shaw say, highlighting what he felt was the sign trustees needed.

Now, six years later, board members new and old, along with the community, gathered to wish Rees well as he embarks on retirement.

Held at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center May 19, Rees was showered with praise and recognition of his many accomplishments in his 31 years of educational experience. 

While the reception was a come-and-go affair, a small presentation was held about 30 minutes in when Rees was presented with a flag that was flown over the Texas State Capitol in Austin in his honor by Judy Flanigan, District Director for Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford); a proclamation from the City of Weatherford read by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith; and a plaque from the Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees.

Rees said he was “overwhelmed” by the amount of people who showed up to honor him. 

“What a long, strange trip it’s been,” he quipped, referencing his 31 years in education, with the last 23 being a superintendent. 

He then thanked his family - his wife Billie and his three daughters – who were all in attendance, though he couldn’t look at them without getting emotional so he jokingly didn’t face them as he spoke. 

“Those folks over there are pretty awesome,” he said, then told the story of meeting his wife when they were 13 and that he was happy to “latch on and not let go.”

He added that the greatest appreciation in the teaching and school administration profession is always due to the children.

“The reason we exist is to make other people’s lives better,” he said. 

In closing, he invited everyone to enjoy the various sweet treats and also asked for everyone to “pray for no rain” on Thursday, Weatherford High School’s graduation night being held at Kangaroo Stadium. 

Rees officially retires June 1 and will be succeeded at WISD by Dr. Sean Scott.