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BASTROP — Bastrop Independent School District has appointed new leads for its business affairs and programs preparing students for success in higher education, work and military service.
Last week, Raina Ellis was named director of college, career and military readiness, while Mike White will join the district as chief financial officer, both starting in 2025.
Raina Ellis
In her new role, Ellis will manage the counseling, career and technical education, P-TECH and work-based learning programs of the district.
“I am deeply honored and excited to lead the college, career and military readiness efforts for our district,” Ellis said. “My goal is to empower our students with the tools, opportunities and guidance they need to confidently pursue their dreams and create a successful future. I look forward to building on the strong foundation this team has already established.”
With over 20 years of experience in education, Ellis is known for coordinating district-wide initiatives and fostering student success through innovative strategies, school officials said.
Ellis began her career in 2002 as a teacher with Bast rop ISD, later teaching at Akins High School. She joined the counseling team in 2011 as a professional school counselor at Cedar Creek High School, appointed lead counselor in 2016, also serving Jack C. Hays High. Most recently, Ellis was promoted to Bastrop ISD counseling coordinator.
“Raina’s deep knowledge and unwavering dedication to BISD make her the ideal leader to propel our CCMR department into the next era,” said Jennifer Eberly, chief academic officer. “Her passion for student success and commitment to excellence will drive innovation and ensure our continued growth and impact in shaping the future of our students.”
Ellis holds a master’s degree in professional school counsel ing from Lamar University, a master’s in secondary education from Texas State University and completed a post baccalaureate teacher certification program at Texas State. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from TSU.
A graduate of Bastrop High School, Ellis resides in the city with her husband, David, and their son, Clay, who attends Mina Elementary.
Mike White
White is set to oversee Bastrop ISD’s financial and business operations, managing the district’s budget, payroll, purchasing, debt services and accounts payable.
The role will also oversee the public education information management system and outsourced partners for child nutrition and transportation.
“I look forward to joining the Bastrop ISD family. This district is known across the state as being special and doing great things, and I can’t wait to be a part of that,” White said.
White has worked across North Texas for over two decades, beginning his career at Skyward in Austin, supporting Bastrop ISD among other districts.
He has since served as business manager for Canton ISD, chief budget manager for Dallas County Schools and assistant superintendent for business services at Highland Park ISD. White was CFO at Crandall ISD and the International Leadership of Texas Charter Schools, as well as secretary, vice president and president in the Dallas-Fort Worth Texas Association of School Business Officials.
“We are excited to welcome Mike to Bastrop ISD as our new CFO,” Superintendent Barry Edwards said. “With his extensive leadership experience and proven track record in managing school dist rict finances, we are confident he will bring valuable insight and strategic direction to our financial operations. We look forward to his leadership in ensuring the district’s financial health and supporting our mission to provide an excellent education for every student.”
White holds a master’s degree from Baylor University and a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin. He also earned a superintendent certification from Texas A&M Commerce and is a registered Texas school business administrator.
White and his wife, Emily, have five children — Michael, Andrew, Major, Ben and Maddie — two of whom will graduate from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas this month.
