Kristi Gay
The last ballots came in late Tuesday night, but the Lufkin ISD school board election totals were finalized with a win for incumbents Kristi Gay and Andra Self. Out of 23,772 votes, Kristi Gay received the most votes with 9,731. Andra Self received 7,813 and Mike Arnold 6,228.
Kristi Gay was elected to the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees in June 2016. She has an accounting degree from Texas A&M University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Kristi works as a Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at BancorpSouth. Kristi serves on the boards of the Lufkin ISD Education Foundation, United Way, and the Lufkin/Angelina County Economic Development Partnership. Kristi is married to Ricky Gay and they have three children, Kendall Bailey and son-in-law Ben, and Wyatt. They have two grandchildren. Kristi and Ricky are passionate about music education and served 15 years in the Lufkin Band Booster organization while their children attended Lufkin ISD schools.
“I am excited and honored to be elected to continue my service to the Lufkin school district. I plan to use my financial background to help the district through the completion of our bond projects and any unexpected expenses we may have during the pandemic. I support our teachers and staff who are doing extraordinary work to move our students forward academically, and to keep the students safe and engaged,” said Kristi.
Andra Self
Andra Self has been a Lufkin ISD board member since 1996. She received Master Trustee designation through Leadership TASB and was LISD Board President when that board was honored as TASA Outstanding School Board of the Year. Andra served 6 years as Region VII Director, testified before the Senate public education hearing on behalf of public schools, and served as chair of the TASB Legislative Committee. She has served as the President of the Texas Association of School Boards.
Her numerous civic activities included service on the boards for 4 B Economic Development Corporation (4 B) Angelina County Health District, Hospice in the Pines, and Boys and Girls Club of East Texas, and involvement in Leadership Lufkin, United Way, Junior Achievement, Junior League of East Texas, the Mayor’s Task Force on Rehabilitation, and the LISD Better School Task Force. She has been active in community service organizations such as Top Ladies of Distinction, holding various offices for the Lufkin chapter and receiving several TLOD community service awards. Andra is retired as the Clinical Services Director for the Lufkin State Supported Living Center. She also completed 29 years of service at Memorial Health System and was the Director of Rehabilitation Services.
Andra is a graduate of Lufkin High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston and is also a registered medical technologist through St. Joseph’s School of Medical Technology. Andra holds two master’s degrees (in education and in business administration) from Stephen F. Austin University. Andra is married to Kenneth Self, and they have two adult children, Jonathan and Tiffany.
“I appreciate the confidence that has been show from the citizens and teachers to continue to serve the students of Lufkin ISD. I will continue to be an effective school board member by contributing my unique talents in the educational environment while collaborating as a team with other board members. School children will continue to be the ultimate focus as the school board members work together to accomplish the board’s goal. The current educational environment demands school board members who are prepared to face the monumental tasks that confront the educational system,” said Andra.