Fort Sam Houston ISD

Dr. Gary Bates

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the Superintendent of Fort Sam Houston Independent School District. I am honored and blessed to serve the students, community, faculty and staff of Fort Sam Houston ISD.

During my 25 years in education, I have served in several roles, which include para-professional, athletic coach/coordinator, history teacher, junior high/high school assistant principal, junior high/high school principal, and school superintendent. Deciding to become an educator is one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. My decision to enter the field of education is a direct result of having teachers and coaches that had an impact on me, as the path of my life could have turned out very differently. This knowledge that education made the difference is what continues to push me to ensure that the students I work for are provided the best education possible.

I know that instilling a love of learning in our military students while providing a safe and secure environment ensures a brighter future for them and all mankind. While our students participate in the Fort Sam Houston ISD educational experience, it is our goal to provide an environment that will prepare them to be citizens of a world that is ever-changing. By orchestrating educational opportunities to develop skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, our students will enter the next chapter of their lives with the tools necessary to be successful.

I look forward to strengthening relationships with our students, parents, and military community and leading our district in providing a rigorous, comprehensive, and personalized education that supports all students of Fort Sam Houston ISD so that our military parents can focus on their mission.