Superintendent Jim Armstrong Announces Plans to Retire
School Board
Saratoga, TX; May 12, 2023 – After 6 years of service as the West Hardin County CISD
Superintendent of Schools and 40 years in education, Dr. Jim Armstrong announced today he
will retire, effective December 31, 2023.
“I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past 6 years. Among the challenges
of Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 Pandemic, our Oiler staff did a remarkable job
remaining focused on the growth and development of our students and supporting each other. As
a result of their selfless work, West Hardin is currently in the best academic and financial shape
in its history. I feel honored and privileged to have served with this outstanding team. The new
superintendent will have a strong foundation upon which build upon our legacy of success” said
Armstrong.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Tony Cotten, made the following
statement:
“On behalf of the Board, we are extremely proud of the academic and financial progress made in
West Hardin under Dr. Armstrong’s leadership. He has been a tireless visionary for the District
over the past 6 years and has managed the tremendous challenges we faced with unwavering
commitment and dedication to our students, staff and community. Along with the Board, Dr.
Armstrong has focused on building West Hardin into the premier school district in Texas,
including both academic and extracurricular activities, where all students will be prepared for
whatever path they choose after graduation.”
District Highlights Under Dr. Armstrong’s Leadership
• Built the strongest academic foundation in the district’s history (Elementary School
accountability from “D” to “A” – Secondary School from “C” to “B”) – continuing to
raise the rigor.
• Built the strongest financial foundation in the district’s history (grown fund balance over
the last 6 years).
• Brought staff pay scales to be competitive with area.
• Comprehensive district-wide security program including new doors, cameras, vape
detectors, fencing, controlled door access, controlled gate access, security window film,
and alert technology.
• Completed construction of the new wastewater treatment plant.
• Completed the post Harvey rebuild of our auditorium, secondary school classrooms,
maintenance facilities, elementary gym, and track. All of those facilities are much
improved.
About Jim Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong has been the Superintendent of Schools in West Hardin County CISD since June,
2017. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Armstrong served as Director of Special Programs, Director
of Student and Personnel Services, Interim Director of Technology, and High School Principal in
Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD (LCMCISD). Prior to his tenure at LCMCISD, he served as an
assistant principal and teacher/coach in Vidor ISD. Dr. Armstrong has also served on the Board
of Directors of the Texas Association of Rural Schools for 5 years advocating for rural Texas
public schools.
A Florida native, Jim Armstrong grew up in St. Petersburg and received his undergraduate
degree in Health and Physical Education from The Florida State University, completed a Masters
of Education in both Exercise Physiology and Administration and Supervision at McNeese State
University and finally, received his doctorate from Baylor University.
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