Friendswood Independent School District issued the following announcement.
We are saddened to announce the passing of another member of our FISD family, former Superintendent Ted Thomas Sr. on the morning of Dec. 28, 2020.
Thomas began his career in FISD when he served as the principal of Friendswood High School in 1967. Two years later in 1969, he became the first assistant superintendent of the District, a newly created position under the leadership of Superintendent John Ward. After eight years in his administrative role, Thomas was hired to be the Superintendent of FISD in 1977.
During his time as Superintendent, Thomas saw the naming of the new primary school at the time, C.W. Cline Primary (later changed to Elementary). He was also a vital role in anticipating and promoting bonds to make renovations and additions to Westwood Elementary, Friendswood Junior High and Friendswood High School. Also, during his term, he served alongside School Board member Ralph Hobratschk who still currently serves on the Board.
After twenty-four years in FISD, Thomas retired in June of 1991. In 14 years as Superintendent, Thomas was a part of hiring many new teachers, watching buildings evolve into better schools for the students, seeing an influx of new community members with the rise of NASA and reaching the hearts and lives of thousands of students.
“Ted Thomas is a key part of the history and tradition of Friendswood ISD. We celebrate his life and his contributions to the many students and employees he touched in his time in the District,” Thad Roher, current FISD superintendent, said. “After I became Superintendent, I appreciated his words of wisdom to me on many occasions when I saw him at a football game or an FISD activity. He always made it a point to pull me aside and check on me and make sure I was keeping ‘the main thing, the main thing.’”
Though we mourn the passing of the amazing man who was Ted Thomas Sr., we will always remember to keep the main thing (our students), the main thing, just as he would have wanted.
Original source can be found here.
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