A former Quitman teacher and coach has been named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) Region 8 Outstanding Principal of the Year.

Kelly Baird is the principal at Como-Pickton High School. Baird taught math and coached several sports including being the QHS head football coach. TASSP recognizes outstanding principals from the 20 region education service centers. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions.

As the Region 8 winner, Baird is eligible to compete for the state title of Texas Principal of the Year. Baird has been at Como-Pickton for four years and has 16 years as an administrator. He has headed the leadership team at Como-Pickton since 2017. 

Baird attended East Texas State University (Texas A&M-Commerce) and earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. He went on to earn a master of education degree at A&M-Commerce in 2002. 

According to Como-Pickton Superintendent Greg Bower, Baird is a risk-taker, a visionary and leader of learners.

Baird gives credit to others. “It is an honor to be recognized, but it would not be possible without the outstanding staff her at Como-Pickton High School,” Baird said.

Each of the region winners will be recognized during the Nosten’s “Night of Stars” award dinner held in conjunction with the TASSP summer event held each year in Austin. Each winner will be presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative book entitled “Texas Principals, Texas Heroes.”