CCISD got a chance to celebrate an legendary member of its administration when it marked the retirement of Board member Ralph Parr on May 18, 2009. Parr has long been a part of CCISD, serving in numerous capacities and helping to shape the district to best serve the needs of it students.

Parr has been working in CCISD as a teacher, principal, and board member for over forty years, in addition to having graduated from the district. He spent 11 years as a teacher and assistant principal at Creek, 11 years as an assistant principal at Lake, and 11 years as Creek’s principal. He said that one of the highlights of his time as principal was watching the school grow while still maintaining its standards and level of accomplishment. He retired from that position 15 years ago, and spent 13 of those following years as a member of the CCISD Board of Trustees. He was first elected in January, 1996.

“After 1.5 years of retirement I knew I needed to continue to contribute to CCISD because it was my life for so many years,” Parr said.

While serving on the board, he helped make decisions regarding boundary changes and scheduling, as well as ensuring that tax payer money was being spent wisely while keeping the district’s educational standards He was also involved in the hiring of the district’s two most recent superintendents: Dr. Sandra Mossman and Dr. Greg Smith.

On May 18, CCISD commemorated Parr’s retirement from the Board first by honoring him at the board meeting that evening. Board President Stuart Stromeyer introduced Parr at the meeting and, in addition to celebrating his achievements, declared May 18, 2009 to be Ralph Parr Day. The board then presented Parr with a framed collage with personal notes by those who attended his retirement reception, two glass desk pieces, and two gift certificates before giving him the floor for his retirement speech. Parr praised CCISD for its exceptional achievements, and also took the time to remember the chances he has had as a part of the district to impact the lives of his students.

Evidence of the abundance of people who were impacted by Parr was obvious in the  large crowd that packed the ceremony. Many teachers and staff members commented on just how involved with the students Parr had been.

“He knew the name of every student on campus and always had a moment to speak to each one. He could remember names of kids from years before much better than I could," Creek journalism teacher Wynette Jameson said.

Fine Arts Coordinator Mary Lou Johnson said, “Ralph made sure that Creek was family to both the staff and the students. It was a joy to come to work each day.”

“The best days are still to come,” Parr said about the future of CCISD.

To further show their appreciation for Parr’s time in the district, the board had previously agreed to name one of the new elementary schools for him. His legendary sense of humor was in evidence when he asked for an office there in his final speech.

 “My greatest honor has been having an elementary school named after me,” Parr said. “Ralph Parr Elementary will open in August, 2009, at Highway 3 South in League City. This is truly the crowning tribute for my years of service to CCISD.”

This year has offered Creek students and teachers an opportunity to honor the past. Parr's retirement has helped many to look to those values for which CCISD prides itself, and to encourage the district to continue to strive to uphold those values.