The Denison Herald
Sunday, November 29, 1987

Ex-Denisonian Linus Wright Sworn in as Under Secretary of Education
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett announced this week that Linus Wright has been sworn in as Under Secretary of Education.
Wright, a 1944 graduate of Denison High School and a native of Savoy, served s superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District since 1978.  He was nominated for the Under Secretary post by President Ronald Reagan on October 15 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 20 .
Under Secretary Wright will advise Bennett on  all major program and management issues.  As the agency's second highest  official he will oversee the daily operations of the Education Department's 4,000 employees.  Wright assumes the Under Secretary post left vacant in January when Gary Bauer became an assistant to President Reagan for Policy Development.
"Linus Wright is an innovative educator and strong school administrator whose back-to-basics approach brought significant reforms to Dallas schools."  Bennett said, "His 39 years as a teacher and administrator will bring valuable skills an d insight to the Department of Education."
Before becoming superintendent in Dallas, Wright held various positions in Texas schools, including teaching and administrative duties in Denison.
In fact, Wright began his education career in  1949 in Denison, as a coach and 8th grade teacher, and was named principal in 1953.  He was with the Sherman school system from 1954 to 1960.  From 1960 to 1963, Wright was business administrator for the San Angelo Public Schools and from 1963 to 1971 held a similar position for the Lubbock Independent School District.
Wright served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and later was in the Army Reserve for 21 years.  He has received numerous awards for his work in civic affairs and was named by "Executive Educator" magazine as one of the nation's  "Top 100 Educators."  He also served on the 32-member Urban Superintendents Network at the U.S. Department of Education and has served as a member of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Education in Texas.
Wright was born March 1, 1927 in Savoy.  He graduated from Austin College with a Bachelor's degree in 1949 and  a Master's degree in 1951.  He was married to Joyce Van ston Wright August 11, 1979.
Wright's sister, Rheta Farr, is director of special education in the Denison Independent School District.