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Who's News – September 2010
Abilene ISD Michael Garcia, who was assistant principal of Abilene High School for the past six years, is now principal of Long Elementary. He previously was a computer literacy teacher and athletics coach at Franklin Middle School for 14 years. Kari Leong is now director of student services, coming to her new post from Long Elementary School, where she was principal for 11 years. She began her career in 1984 and has taught at Jefferson Middle School and College Heights Elementary, as well as has served as assistant principal of Thomas Elementary. Alvin ISD The new director of secondary education is Kevon Wells. An educator for more than 29 years, he most recently spent eight years as principal of Alvin High School. Prior to his time in Alvin ISD, he taught in Texas City and Galveston ISDs and was an assistant principal in La Marque ISD and a principal in West Columbia and Brenham ISDs. Wells also has been an adjunct professor at College of the Mainland. His bachelor’s degree in marine biology is from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree in secondary education is from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Other 2010-2011 administrative appointments are:
Angleton ISD Angleton ISD trustees have named Steve Davis the assistant superintendent of operations. Davis began his career in Damon ISD as a classroom teacher, advancing to become a principal and then superintendent of the district. He came to Angleton in 2004 to serve as an assistant principal, a position he held until 2006, when he was appointed director of transportation. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Austin ISD Suzanne Burke is the new executive director of curriculum. She most recently was director of curriculum and professional development for Round Rock ISD. Her other posts in that district have included working as a classroom teacher and language arts curriculum specialist. Burke has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from The University of Texas, where she is a doctoral candidate in curriculum studies.
Patrick Fuller, who had been Austin ISD’s only chief of police since the office was created in 1986, retired at the end of the 2009-2010 school year. Vickie Jacobson is the new principal of Maplewood Elementary School. With 33 years’ experience as an educator, she returns to Austin from San Diego, Calif., where she was an elementary principal. She was principal of Austin ISD’s Kiker Elementary School from 1997 to 2003. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The University of Texas.
The new principal of Walnut Creek Elementary School is Paul Perez, who previously served as principal of St. Elmo and Linder elementary schools. His bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas and his master’s degree in educational administration is from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). Ernesto Riojas is the district’s new chief of police. A graduate of Texas State University, he comes to Austin from Judson ISD (San Antonio), where he held the same position. He was also police chief of Harlandale ISD. He has 37 years’ experience in law enforcement, beginning his career as a San Antonio Police Department patrolman, detective, sergeant and lieutenant. Riojas earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). Bastrop ISD
Bay City ISD
Beeville ISD The first female superintendent of Beeville ISD has been hired. She is Linda Sue Thomas, who comes to Beeville from Aransas Pass ISD, where she was superintendent since 2007. An educator with 35 years of experience, she started in Aransas Pass ISD in 1996 as principal of Blunt Middle School. Thomas earned her bachelor of arts degree in English and French from Texas A&M University at Kingsville, where she also earned her master of arts degree in curriculum and reading. Her doctorate in educational leadership is from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi and Kingsville. Brownsville ISD A number of administrative reassignments have been made. They are:
Chapel Hill ISD Donni Cook, who has been serving as the district’s assistant superintendent, is now superintendent.
Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD A new special programs director, Donna Thompson, is in place. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the administration of all special programs, including at-risk students and gifted and talented. She has been with the district for 20 years, serving as a teacher and assistant principal. College Station ISD
Coppell ISD
Corpus Christi ISD
He returned to public education in 2001 as deputy superintendent of Belton ISD, and then he spent several months as state director of the National Assessment Program with the U.S. Department of Education. He took another deputy superintendent job, this time with Taylor ISD, from 2003 to 2005, before moving to Waco to his most recent position in 2006. Hernandez holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and a doctorate in educational administration from The University of Texas. Corsicana ISD
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Emmott Elementary School has Jessica Hernandez as its principal. She has spent her entire 12 years in education with the district, beginning with teaching for two years at Yeager Elementary School and then for three years at Kirk Elementary. A promotion to instructional specialist at Kirk came next, followed by her most recent position as assistant principal of Gleason Elementary. Hernandez has a bachelor of science degree and a master of education degree from the University of Houston.
Dallas ISD Ivonne Durant is the new chief academic officer. A 40-year veteran of education, 15 of those in Dallas ISD, she was most recently Dallas ISD executive director, presiding over the Northwest Learning Community’s 40 elementary school principals. Dripping Springs ISD Charles Rainey is the district’s new director of financial services. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor of business administration degree in accountancy, he has 30 years of experience in accounting and financial management, including expertise in tax compliance and payroll management. He taught high school math in Jackson, Miss., and transferred to Austin in 2004 as the chief financial officer of an educational publishing company. Ector County ISD
Evant ISD James Slone is now the district’s superintendent. A graduate of Evant High School, he has been an educator for more than 10 years, all of which have been spent in Evant ISD. He began as an English teacher and coach in the district in 1995, adding seventh to 12th grade assistant principal duties five years later. He then served as pre-K through 12th grade assistant principal for four years before becoming elementary principal, maintenance director and transportation director. His most recent position has been pre-K through 12th principal. Slone’s bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports studies and his master’s degree in educational administration were earned at Tarleton State University. Fort Bend ISD Mary Ellen Edge is the new principal of Austin High School. A public school educator for 20 years, she began as a special education teacher in Rice Consolidated, Sealy and Port Arthur ISDs. With Fort Bend ISD, she has served at Austin High for seven years as an assistant principal, a special education department head and a special education teacher. At Bush High School, she was dean of instruction and assistant principal. In 2006, she became principal of Clements High School. Edge’s bachelor’s degree is from Mississippi State University and her master of education degree in administration is from Houston Baptist University. She is pursuing a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University, which she expects to complete next summer. Georgetown ISD Carlos Cantu has been appointed assistant superintendent of administrative and support services. He has been with the district for 20 years, serving as an assistant principal, principal and, most recently, executive director of student services. Granbury ISD
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD The new superintendent is Robin Ryan. He was most recently chief academic officer and an area superintendent for Dallas ISD.
Hays CISD A number of personnel changes have been announced. The new administrative assignments include:
Henderson ISD Keith Boles, most recently superintendent of Connally ISD, is the new superintendent.
High Island ISD The new superintendent, D’Ann Cathriner-Vanderau, comes to High Island from Hardin ISD, where she was assistant superintendent.
Highland Park ISD (Amarillo) The new superintendent is Mike Brown, who comes to Amarillo from Sunray ISD, where he also was superintendent.
Houston ISD A new director of the office of special education has been appointed. She is Sowmya Kumar, who has been a special education specialist with ESC Region 4 for 13 years. An educator for 30 years, she was a director of special education services in New Jersey for 13 years and also served as a teacher and diagnostician for students with severe disabilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary science education from Queens College, the City University of New York, and a master’s degree in special education/administration from Columbia University. The new chief high schools officer is Aaron Spence. He has served in the Chesterfield County Public School System in Virginia as director of curriculum and instruction and, most recently, chief academic officer. He began his career in Virginia as a French and photojournalism teacher in the Stafford Public School System. He became an assistant principal there, and then he moved up to serve as a principal in Henrico Public Schools, also in Virginia. Kerrville ISD
Kermit ISD Bill Boyd, former superintendent of Fruitvale ISD, is the new superintendent. La Porte ISD
Lamar CISD
Timothy Walker is now assistant principal of George Ranch High. He taught for six years in Channelview and Troup ISDs and spent three years as a high school assistant principal in Humble ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from The University of Texas at Tyler and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. Additionally, three assistant principals have been appointed for Reading Junior High School.
Lancaster ISD Mike McFarland is the new superintendent. He was formerly the assistant superintendent of achievement and pupil services in the Champaign (Ill.) Public Schools, Unit 4, since 2007. Leander ISD The school year started with a new principal for River Place Elementary School. She is Niki Prindle, who began as a teacher in 1998 and has served as assistant principal of Naumann and Westside elementary schools. She also has taught in Fort Worth and Round Rock ISDs. Her bachelor’s degree was earned from Austin College in Sherman and her master’s degree is from Texas Christian University. Lexington ISD Frances McArthur has taken the helm as superintendent. She comes to her new job from Bryan ISD, where she was deputy superintendent of instructional services. Little Elm ISD
Longview ISD The new public information director is Mike King, former superintendent of West Rusk CISD. Loraine ISD David Dillard is the new superintendent. He comes from Buena Vista ISD, where he was assistant superintendent. Lovelady ISD Micah Dyer has been named superintendent. Prior to arriving in Lovelady, he served as a principal in Kirbyville ISD. Lumberton ISD Lynn Bilberry is now principal of Lumberton High School. He was previously principal of Lumberton Middle School.
Marlin ISD
Marshall ISD Greg Morris is now director of student services and operations. His career began in Warren ISD, where he taught sixth and seventh grade science and physical education. He next served as a teacher and administrative assistant to the principal in New Diana ISD before returning to Warren to spend two years as the district’s elementary principal. He was Pittsburg ISD’s elementary principal from 2002 to 2007 before joining Marshall ISD in 2007 as principal of Lee Elementary, where he remained until accepting his new administrative post. Morris earned his bachelor of science degree in education from East Texas Baptist University, followed by a master of education degree and mid-management certification from Stephen F. Austin State University. The new director of curriculum is Shelley Yates, who was principal of Moore Elementary School. An educator since 1994, she began as a seventh and eighth grade remedial English teacher in Wetumka, Okla., remaining there to teach fifth and sixth grade language arts and sixth grade until 2000. In 2001, she came to Marshall to take the position of principal of the district’s optional extended year program; she headed the program during the summers of 2001, 2002 and 2003, while also acting as assistant principal of Sam Houston Middle School from 2000 to 2006. At that time, Yates was named principal of Moore Elementary, where she remained until accepting her new position. Yates earned her associate of science degree from Seminole State College in Seminole, Okla., and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from East Central University in Ada, Okla. |
Pamela Morris, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction
Kathy Windsor, principal, Alvin High School, formerly Manvel Junior High principal
Brooke Elementary School students met Elia Diaz-Ortiz as their new principal when the school year began. An educator for 22 years, she was principal of Hart Elementary from 2005 to 2009, and most recently she was assistant principal of Sims Elementary. Additionally, she has been interim principal of Reilly Elementary, assistant principal of St. Elmo Elementary and interim assistant principal of Travis Heights Elementary. In Round Rock ISD she was a principal and classroom teacher. In addition, Diaz-Ortiz has served as a research specialist for the Texas Education Agency, The University of Texas and Austin ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree and doctorate from The University of Texas.
Lawrence W. Fryer Jr. has been named chief operations officer. Most recently chief operating officer in Maryland’s Prince George’s County Public Schools, he also spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a senior managing consultant for IBM. Fryer’s bachelor’s degree is from Prairie View A&M University and his master’s degree in national security strategy is from the National Defense University. Additionally, he was a fellow in the Broad Superintendents Academy in 2006.
Most recently an administrative supervisor for one of Austin ISD’s associate superintendents of elementary schools, Cathryn Mitchell is now the principal of Oak Hill Elementary School. In addition to her prior assignment, she has been a teacher and principal at Houston Elementary and an assistant principal at Widen Elementary. Mitchell has a doctorate in school improvement from Texas State University.
The executive director of special programs is Anna Pedroza, who was principal of Ortega Elementary School since 2003 until taking on her new responsibilities. She also has been assistant principal at Dawson and Galindo elementary schools in the district. Pedroza was a bilingual teacher and science specialist. In addition, she was director of special populations for San Marcos CISD, director of compensatory education/at-risk students for the Texas Education Agency and a research assistant for the Successful Border Schools Project at The University of Texas. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from that university.
Cedar Creek Elementary School has Kathlene Cawthron as its principal. She began her career in Waco ISD as a kindergarten teacher, moving to Irving ISD as an assistant principal, and arriving in Bastrop in 2008. She most recently has been principal of Chavez Elementary School in Little Elm ISD. Cawthron has a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a master of science degree in education from Baylor University.
LaShun Gaines began the new school year as principal of Red Rock Elementary, coming to her new job from Bastrop Intermediate School, where she spent the past four years as assistant principal. She came to Bastrop in 2005 as a teacher at Red Rock after serving other districts as a reading intervention teacher, administrative intern and classroom teacher. Gaines has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Texas Southern University and a master of education degree with a cognate in reading from Texas State University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the cohort administrator certification program from ESC Region 13.
Terrell King has moved from serving as principal of Emile Elementary to lead Bastrop Intermediate School as its principal. He came to Bastrop in 2000 as an English teacher at Bastrop High School, going on to serve as an elementary and high school assistant principal before taking his most recent job at Emile. His bachelor of arts degree in English is from Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., and his master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in language and literacy studies is from The University of Texas.
The new principal of Emile Elementary School is Lacey Padgett, who comes to her new position from serving as assistant principal of Cedar Creek Elementary. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Warren, Dallas and Bastrop ISDs. She also has been a math curriculum specialist and a director of human resources. Padgett has a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and a master of education degree in educational administration from Concordia University in Austin.
Jane Pollard is the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. She comes from Little Elm ISD, where she was director of secondary instruction and staff development coordinator. She began her career in 1985 as a business teacher and yearbook sponsor in Aubrey ISD’s high school. After 10 years in the classroom, she became principal of Aubrey Elementary School and staff coordinator for new teachers, two posts she held for six years. She joined Little Elm ISD in 2002 when she opened Chavez Elementary. Pollard earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Woman’s University.
The new principal of Mina Elementary is Martha Werner, another transplant from Little Elm ISD, where she was principal of Oak Point Elementary. She joined Little Elm ISD in 2005 as assistant principal of Hackberry Elementary. She also has served in Frisco and Richardson ISDs; she was an elementary school teacher in the Leon County schools in Tallahassee, Fla. Her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is from the University of North Texas and her master of science degree in educational leadership was earned from Florida State University.
Mary Bashara is the new principal of Bay City High School. She arrived at her new post from Austin after completing responsibilities for running the summer school program at LBJ High School. Bashara began her administrative career in Austin ISD as an assistant principal at Pecan Springs Elementary, moving to take the same position at Lanier, Reagan and LBJ high schools. She spent the past two years at LBJ as the school’s assistant principal and director of technology and business. Additionally, she served in the district’s central administration office for a year and spent another year as principal of Austin Can! Charter School.
The district’s new assistant superintendent for administrative services is Rodney Fausett, who was superintendent of Cameron ISD from 2007 until accepting his new post. He began as a teacher and coach and took his first administrative position in 1993 as an assistant principal at North Lamar High School in Paris ISD. He was then principal of New Boston ISD’s middle school, and then he served as superintendent in Cayuga and Winona ISDs. Fausett is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
The new principal of Pebble Creek Elementary is Annette Roraback. She began her career in 1984 as a fourth grade teacher in Houston and Missouri City ISDs. She then made a move to Memphis, Tenn., to teach fifth and sixth grades at Lausanne Collegiate School, followed by service as a seventh through 12th grade reading and study skills teacher at the University of Memphis’ summer school. She returned to Texas in 1988 as a sixth grade teacher in Allen ISD. Three years later, she moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where she was a teacher and upper school curriculum director at Castlehill Country Day School. She came to College Station ISD in 2003 as a fourth grade teacher at South Knoll Elementary. She has spent the past three years as academic coordinator for Pebble Creek. Roraback earned her bachelor of science degree in educational curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. She holds two master’s degrees, one in reading from the University of North Texas and one in educational administration from Sam Houston State University.
Superintendent Jeff Turner has been named ESC Region 10 Superintendent of the Year. Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards, the award is given in recognition of excellence and achievement in educational leadership. The nominees will be narrowed to five, and the final announcement will be made this month. Turner has been Coppell ISD’s superintendent since 2002.
The new assistant director of New Tech High @ Coppell is Amanda Ziaer, who has spent the previous eight years as an educator in districts in and around Houston and Dallas. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree from Concordia University in Austin.
Former Waco ISD Superintendent Roland Hernandez has been chosen to serve as chief academic officer. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Angleton ISD at Angleton Middle School East, moving three years later to Angleton High School, where he taught Spanish and served as head tennis coach and assistant basketball coach. He took his first administrative position in 1997 as assistant principal at Angleton Middle School West, where he served for a year before transferring to Spring ISD to take on the role of vice principal of Spring Woods Senior High School. He spent the next two years away from public school employment as he worked first with the Texas Education Agency as administrative assistant to the associate commissioner and next as a program coordinator for the Education Improvement Network at The University of Texas at Austin.
Michael Nielsen has been appointed assistant superintendent of business. He comes to Corsicana from Kilgore ISD, where he served as the district’s internal auditor since 2004. In addition, he has been with the Texas Department of Mental Health-Mental Retardation and Ford Motor Credit Company. Nielsen, a registered Texas school business administrator, has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University).
Donna Guthrie began the new school year as assistant superintendent for elementary school administration. She was most recently principal of Swenke Elementary School. A 23-year education veteran, she taught in Deer Park ISD for five years before coming to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 1992 as a fifth grade teacher at Metcalf Elementary. Two years later, she was named the school’s assistant principal, a job she held until 1998. At that time, she transferred to serve in the same position at Millsap Elementary for four years, and then she was principal of Ault Elementary from 2002 until she moved to Swenke in 2009. Guthrie earned her bachelor of science degree in education from Sam Houston State University and her master of science degree in administration from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
The new assistant superintendent for secondary curriculum and instruction is Mary Jadloski. She began her career as a math teacher and team leader at Arnold Middle School in 1979, and then she served in the same capacity at Jersey Village and Langham Creek high schools. She became a district administrator in 1995 when she took on the role of secondary math coordinator. Jadloski then was director of secondary special programs and services before taking on her most recent assignment as the director of high school curriculum and instruction. Jadloski’s bachelor’s degree in mathematics and education was earned at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and her master of education degree in supervision is from Sam Houston State University.
Darynda Klein, who was assistant principal of Hairgrove Elementary School, is now principal of that campus. She has been an educator for 17 years, 11 of those with the district. She was initially a teacher in Beaumont, Vidor and Nederland ISDs, before coming to Cypress-Fairbanks as a teacher at Adam Elementary. She was then a teacher and reading specialist at Copeland Elementary and an instructional specialist at Hairgrove before taking on her most recent assignment there. Klein holds a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education, special and ESL, from Stephen F. Austin State University. Her master of education degree in administration was earned from Sam Houston State University.
The new senior director of staff development is Robin McGlohn, who had been serving as coordinator of staff development. She began her education career as a teacher in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nev. Also in Clark County, she was a new-teacher induction trainer, service learning center facilitator, and coordinator of the safe and drug-free schools program. She came to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 2003 to teach science at Thornton Middle School and later was an at-risk helping teacher and assistant principal at that school. She has been in her most recent position for five years. McGlohn’s bachelor of science degree in education and master’s degree in educational leadership are from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
Elizabeth Miller, formerly assistant principal of McFee Elementary School, is now principal of Swenke Elementary. She has 17 years’ experience as an educator, beginning with six years as a special education teacher at Vestal Central School in Vestal, N.Y. She came to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 1999 as a special education teacher at Hamilton Elementary, where she spent six years before taking an instructional specialist position for a year. She then was assistant principal of Hamilton for three years before joining McFee in 2009. Miller earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Lawrence University and her master’s degree in special education from Mount St. Mary’s College — both institutions in New York state.
Alejandro Morua has been named assistant to the superintendent. He comes from Houston, where he was the program coordinator of the A-Plus Challenge. He has worked in both the public and private sectors, in for-profit and nonprofit organizations and in governmental agencies. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania — one in English and one in economics from the university’s Wharton School.
Taking on the responsibilities of assistant superintendent for curriculum is Karen Kopec. She spent 16 years as a classroom teacher and three years as an administrator. In addition to her work with Texas public schools, Kopec worked for the Texas Education Agency for seven years. For the past three years, she has been an independent consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education and ESL, and master’s and doctoral degrees in educational administration.
Returning to the district to serve as assistant superintendent for accountability and special populations is H.T. Sanchez, who taught at Nimitz Junior High from 1998 through 2001. Other administrative assignments followed, including service as principal of Waco High School and director of bilingual/ESL programs in Tyler ISD. His most recent appointment was executive director of instructional support services in that district. Sanchez has a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s and doctoral degrees in educational leadership.
Denise Shetter is now principal of Odessa High School. Her most recent position was principal of Bowie Junior High, a school which she led in two years from “academically unacceptable” to “recognized.” She was also assistant principal and then principal of Gale Pond/Alamo Elementary School, a special education teacher, a gifted and talented teacher, the director of the GEAR UP program at Permian High School and a member of the Crane ISD board of trustees from 2004 to 2007.
The new principal of Granbury High School, Jeremy Ross, has come to Granbury from Colorado ISD, where he served as principal of Colorado High School since 2004. Prior to that, he was the school’s band director and then assistant principal. He also was a band director in Coahoma ISD. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from McMurry University in Abilene and his master of education degree in school administration from Angelo State University.
Regina Butcher, principal, Fuentes Elementary School, formerly principal of Negley Elementary School.
Robin Kelley-Broadway, principal of the new Ralph Pfluger Elementary School, formerly principal of Tom Green Elementary.
The new principal of Wilson Sixth Grade School is James Harmon, who spent the past three years as assistant principal of Tivy High School. Before coming to Kerrville, he was assistant principal of Bush High School, a coach and teacher at First Colony Middle School and a teacher at Palmer Elementary School, all in Fort Bend ISD.
Tami King, whose most recent assignment was assistant principal of Lomax Elementary, is the new principal of College Park Elementary School. She replaces Deborah Shearer, who has retired. She began her career in Pasadena ISD, where she was a special education resource teacher, a dyslexia and intervention specialist and an administrative intern. Her last position with that district was assistant principal of Golden Acres Elementary School. King earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and her graduate hours in education from the same institution; she then entered the alternative certification program in Pasadena ISD. She came to La Porte ISD in 2008 to take on the role of principal of Rizzuto Elementary, and then she moved to Lomax. Since 2009, she has been coordinator for the district’s Saturday school for tardy management.
Stepping down from her role as principal at College Park Elementary is Deborah Shearer, who retired at the end of the 2009-2010 school year. She was principal of the school for 10 years. Her first administrative assignment with the district came when she served as assistant principal of Baker Junior High; she was an administrator for 11 years.
The new manager of Lamar CISD’s graphic arts department is Jorge Carmona, who has 12 years’ experience in drafting and design work, most recently with the Houston firm of Kirksey Architecture. He has two bachelor’s degrees — one in architectural design from Florida International University and another in architecture from Florida Atlantic University.
Laura Lyons is now the district’s executive director of elementary education. A graduate of Houston Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education, she holds two master’s degrees from the University of Houston, one in educational psychology and one in educational leadership. She spent 10 years as a teacher at Dulles Elementary School in Fort Bend ISD and has 13 years of experience as an administrator. She served as an assistant principal, principal and grants coordinator in Fort Bend ISD and director of staff development in Lamar CISD since 2005.
The principal of Velasquez Elementary is Heather Patterson, who has been the school’s assistant principal for the past four years. She was a teacher for seven years in Lamar CISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria.
A new associate principal of George Ranch High School is in place. He is Nathaniel Session, an educator with 11 years’ experience teaching in Alief, Fort Bend and Cypress-Fairbanks ISDs and two years’ experience as an assistant principal in Waller ISD and Lamar CISD. He most recently was assistant principal at Lamar CISD’s Foster High School. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at the same institution.
Cory Collins has six years’ experience teaching in Fort Bend ISD and at Lamar CISD’s George Junior High. He earned his bachelor of business administration degree in information and operations management from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria.
Jose Pineda, who holds a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy and social studies composite from Houston Baptist University and a master’s degree in administration from Lamar University, taught for six years at Lamar Consolidated High School.
Sonya Sanzo is a graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Sam Houston State University and taught for seven years in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. In addition, she was a counselor for 10 years in Lamar CISD at Huggins Elementary, Briscoe Junior High and Wertheimer Middle School.
Charles Lester has been named principal of Little Elm High School. He comes to the district from Grand Prairie ISD, where he was principal of Truman Middle School. He began his career in Arlington ISD as a junior high language arts teacher. He was appointed assistant principal three years later, and then he served an additional three years as assistant principal of Sam Houston High School. He spent 2000 to 2003 with the Texas Education Agency’s Division of Accountability and Evaluations and in Dallas ISD’s Center for Urban Leadership. He also was an assistant principal in Fort Worth ISD for two years. Lester earned his bachelor of arts degree in communications from The University of Texas at Arlington and his master of arts degree in education from Tarleton State University. In 2000, he was selected to participate in UT’s Cooperative Superintendency Program. He is working toward his doctorate.
The new principal of Lumberton Middle School is Leanna Stringer, former assistant principal of Lumberton High. Her first Texas public school job was as an elementary resource and adaptive physical education teacher in Spring ISD. She then was an elementary and junior high resource teacher in Evadale ISD, followed by five years there as a special education director and high school resource teacher. She came to Lumberton ISD in 1996 as assistant principal of Lumberton Intermediate School, and then she returned to Evadale from 2002 to 2005 to serve as the district’s kindergarten through eighth grade principal. She returned to Lumberton in 2005 for her most recent assignment. Stringer has a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in education/mid-management, both from Lamar University.
John Valastro has been named assistant superintendent. He has been with Lumberton ISD since 2003, serving as assistant principal and, most recently, principal of Lumberton High School. After earning his bachelor’s degree in education and biology from Lamar University, he was initially a teacher and coach, then athletic director, in Granger ISD. He next served in that position at Coldspring ISD, followed by a stint as a teacher and coach in Montgomery ISD. Valastro holds two master’s degrees, in education and kinesiology, from Lamar University.
The new superintendent is Eli Casey, who returns to Marlin after having served as the district’s interim superintendent in 2008. An educator with 18 years of experience as a superintendent in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, he began his career as a teacher and then served multiple years as a principal at the elementary, middle school and high school levels; he also served as interim superintendent for five districts. Casey holds a bachelor’s degree from Sul Ross State University and a master’s degree in administration from The University of Texas at El Paso. He earned his doctorate in administration from New Mexico State University.