Gainesville Independent School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Melody Parr as the district’s new Director of Finance.

Mrs. Parr brings more than 20 years of experience in school finance to the role, along with a strong track record of fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and employee support. Most recently, she served as Business Manager for Chico ISD, where she worked for six years and successfully increased the district’s fund balance year after year while maintaining a focus on financial stewardship.

Before her time at Chico ISD, Parr worked in Accounts Payable at Bowie ISD and served as Business Manager at Gold-Burg ISD, gaining extensive experience in multiple areas of school business operations.

Parr is a lifelong resident of Texas and has lived in several communities throughout the state, including Gainesville. Her connection to Gainesville ISD goes back to her childhood, when she attended McMurry Elementary School in fifth grade and Gainesville Junior High in sixth grade. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Saint Jo High School in 1992.

Parr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University in May 2020. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in data analysis, policy and procedure implementation, communications, Ascender software, and leadership.

As she begins her new role with Gainesville ISD, Parr says one of her top priorities is supporting the people who make the district successful.

"I believe it's important to take care of employees and their needs and to make them feel supported," Parr said. "When employees feel valued and supported, they are better able to focus on serving students and helping them succeed."

Outside of her professional career, Parr is a proud mother of four daughters, Katie, Rachel and her husband Ben, Genna, and Josie. She is also a proud Nana to her grandson, JJ. 

Please join Gainesville ISD in welcoming Melody Parr back to the Leopard family!