At their regular January meeting, the Birdville ISD Board of Trustees approved the appointments of Randy Sumrall to the position of executive director of technology information management systems, and George "Ged" Kates to the position of head football coach/athletic coordinator for Richland High School. Sumrall will replace Julie Wallace who retired from the district in November 2011, and Kates replaces Gene Wier who announced his resignation in December 2011.
Sumrall's career includes employment as executive director of technology/director of virtual schools in Coppell ISD from 1992-2004, chief technology officer for Judson ISD from 2004-06, and chief information officer for the Education Service Center Region 10 since 2006.
He received his bachelor's degree from North Texas State University in 1982 and his master's degree from the University of North Texas in 1992. He also holds a mid-management and superintendent certification.
Ged Kates, head football coach/government teacher at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, was hired as the head football coach and athletic coordinator for Richland High School. He brings with him 13 years of coaching experience.
Under his leadership at Arlington Heights, football teams posted a 19-4 record, including playoff appearances and wins the past two seasons. Prior to his position as head coach at Arlington Heights, he served as teacher/coach at Grand Prairie High School from 2004-08, Trinity High School from 2001-04, Richland High School from 2000-01, and Harwood Junior High School from 1999-2000.
Kates received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 1999 and his master's degree from Texas Woman's University in 2005.
"We are excited to have these two fine leaders coming to Birdville ISD," Superintendent Darrell Brown said. "They bring to the district experience and success that will positively impact the district and students for many years."
Birdville High School will present "Grease" Jan. 27-30 in the auditorium. Show times are: Jan. 27-28, 30 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. General admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Reserved seating is $14 in advance. There are no reserve sales at the door. For information, go to 
