GHS principal facing DWI charges

Dr. Christopher Morrow, who assumed his duties as principal at Gonzales High School on June 11, 2012, is facing charges of driving while intoxicated after he was involved in a two-vehicle accident last weekend in Victoria.

Morrow, 40, was not at the GHS campus Thursday, and personnel who answered the telephone at the high school could not say if he would be in the office Friday.

A request to Gonzales ISD superintendent Dr. Kim Strozier regarding Morrow’s employment status was not specifically addressed, but she did say Thursday, “It is not our practice to comment on employee matters of a confidential nature.”

According to Eline Moya, public information sergeant for the Victoria Police Department, Morrow was arrested after he failed a field sobriety test following the accident at Main Street (U.S. Highway 87) and Mockingbird Lane on Victoria’s Westside.

Victoria officer Rick Soto said Morrow was southbound on Main Street driving a silver Hyundai about 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, when he collided with a northbound Dodge pickup driving by David Silva, 49, of Dripping Springs. Moya confirmed that Morrow was left of the highway center stripe traveling southbound in the northbound lane when the Hyundai struck the bed of the pickup, knocking the pickup off its axle and demolishing the front of the Hyundai.

Silva said when he noticed the car bearing down on him in the wrong lane, he attempted to swerve out of the path, but could not avoid the collision. Silva told police the Hyundai was traveling between 70 and 80 mph, but Soto could not confirm the speed.

The wreck remains under investigation. No one was seriously injured.

Morrow was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, Moya said, adding that it was his first offense. He was booked into the Victoria County Jail following his arrest. Jail personnel could not confirm the amount of bond or when Morrow was released from jail.

Morrow moved to Gonzales from the Texas panhandle city of Friona, located near Clovis, N.M., where he replaced Joe Martinez as high school principal. Martinez took over as director of transportation for GISD.

Morrow holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a masters degree in educational leadership from Texas Tech, and received his doctorate in education leadership and policy studies from Tarleton State University. Morrow holds State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) licenses as a classroom teacher in composite social studies, PK-12 principal and PK-12 superintendent.

Morrow began his career in education as a social studies teacher and coach, and has served in a teacher/coach capacity for seven years before he began his administrative career. He has served as assistant principal and principal at all levels, with six years high school principal experience. Morrow was principal at Friona High School from 2008-12.