Paul Bryant Photo Brownsboro Independent School District Superintendent Elton Caldwell said he’s considering retirement after trustees voted not to extend his contract. Caldwell, 70, took over the district in 1989. Brownsboro Independent School District Superintendent Elton Caldwell said he’s leaning toward retirement after officials voted not to extend his two-year contract.

“They said they just wanted to go in a different direction,” Caldwell said. “I got a good evaluation, though, and I’m fine with it. That’s the decision the board has to make, and it’s probably the biggest they are elected to make.”

Board of Trustees President Bobby Teague and Vice President Dusty Wise voted against the move. Four of the board’s other five members voted not to renew Caldwell’s contract.

“It was a shock,” Wise said. “I think, evidently, some of the other board members have caught some flack over Mr. Caldwell. They thought maybe it was time for a change.”

Trustees Donny Wilson, Ricky Wyatt and Joel Irwin could not be reached. Jeffrey Fulgham did not return a request for comment. Each voted not to renew Caldwell’s contract.

But Wise suggested the superintendent’s termination was not necessary.

“I think Mr. Caldwell has done an excellent job,” he said. “I think maybe he feels like he was shortchanged. But he’s run a good race, and I’m hoping he works out his contract.”

Caldwell, 70, took over the district in 1989. About 18 months are remaining on his current contract, but he said he’s not sure if he’ll finish the term.

“If I wasn’t retirement age, I’d be looking hard for another job. But most likely, I’m going to retire. I’m going to work my hardest as long as I’m here, though.”

Caldwell has worked in the Mount Pleasant Independent School District, Lindale Independent School District, and Alba- Golden Independent School District. He graduated from Lindale.

“I’ve only worked for five or six different places,” he said. “I’ve been fairly stable.

Caldwell’s contract calls for an annual salary of $108,050.