Birdville ISD Stephen Ellis is the new principal of North Ridge Middle School. Principal of Grace E. Hardeman Elementary since 1999, he was previously assistant principal at that school and at the Shannon Learning Center. Additionally, he was lead teacher in Birdville ISD’s disciplinary alternative education program for two years and a middle school special education teacher for two years. He was the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association’s Region 11 Elementary Principal of the Year in 2004 and a state finalist that same year. Ellis earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University.
Lane Ledbetter is associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Coming to Birdville ISD in 1999, he was most recently director of curriculum and instruction for the district. Prior to that post, he served as principal of Birdville High School and North Ridge Middle School, as assistant principal of Haltom High School and North Richland Middle School, as the district’s administrator for virtual education and as assistant principal of North Richland Middle School. Ledbetter earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his master’s degree from the University of North Texas; his doctorate is from Baylor.
Stepping into Ledbetter’s former position is Donna Solley. Principal of Holiday Heights Elementary School since 1990, she also has served as a language arts consultant, administrative intern, and ESL and English teacher. Solley’s bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas at Arlington and her master’s degree is from the University of North Texas.
Brenham ISD
Hailing from Hamilton ISD where he was superintendent for six years, Sam Bell is the new superintendentof Brenham ISD. His 26 years in education have been evenly divided between teaching/coaching and administrative positions. In Hamilton ISD, he was principal of Hamilton High School for four years. For three years he served as assistant principal of Mineral Wells High School in Mineral Wells ISD. He has served as head basketball coach in Brownwood, West Mesquite and Rice Consolidated high schools. Bell earned a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
Brooks County ISD Alberto Byington, an educator with 46 years of experience (33 of those as a superintendent), is the district’s new superintendent — again. He first came to Brooks County ISD in 1961 and remained there until 1996. He served as a teacher, principal, director of federal programs, assistant superintendent and finally superintendent — a position he held for 23 years. He subsequently was superintendent of Mathis and San Diego ISDs and TEA governance monitor with Driscoll ISD. For the past seven years he has been superintendent of Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD. Byington earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas College of Arts and Industries (now Texas A&M University at Kingsville).
Clear Creek ISD
Twelve administrators have been named for Clear Creek ISD. They are:
Mary Beth Wood, assistant principal, Clear Lake Elementary
Clint ISD
The district’s new superintendent is Edward Gabaldon. An educator for 31 years, he was formerly chief of staff for El Paso ISD. He began his career as a middle school science teacher in Ysleta ISD. He served as assistant principal in both Ysleta and Socorro ISDs. At Socorro ISD, Gabaldon held directorships in human resources and instructional services. In 2003, he became the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. He also served as the district’s assistant superintendent for priority schools. Gabaldon earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Comanche ISD
The district’s new superintendent is Tony Daniel. He comes from Hamlin ISD, where he also served as superintendent. He replaces Rick Howard, who retired this summer with 31 years in education, 18 of those as a superintendent. He was superintendent at Comanche ISD for nine years.
Crosbyton CISD Bobby Fryar is the new superintendent. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Brady ISD and also held those positions in Jacksboro ISD. Additionally, he was with Sweetwater ISD as a middle school and high school assistant principal, and he served as Robert Lee ISD’s secondary principal. Most recently the high school principal for Early ISD, Fryar also has been an elementary principal, high school dean of students and assistant principal for that district.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Cheryl Johns has been tapped to lead Langham Creek High School as its principal. She is an educator with 26 years of experience, beginning her career at Klein High School in Klein ISD before joining Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 1986 as a speech and debate teacher at Cypress Creek High School. Her next assignment was at Cypress Falls High, where she was a classroom teacher until her promotion to director of instruction at Truitt Middle School. She then held the same position at Jersey Village High School, subsequently transferring to Labay Middle School, where she has served as principal since 2005. Johns earned her bachelor of science degree from The University of Texas, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in education are from the University of Houston. Her certifications include secondary speech, secondary Spanish, mid-management administration, supervisor and superintendent.
Stepping into the principal role at Labay Middle School is Patty Mooney. A 27-year veteran of Texas public schools, 25 of those spent in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, she was a classroom teacher at Bane and Francone elementary schools before becoming assistant principal at Metcalf Elementary. She was then assistant principal at Ault Elementary, before moving to Spring Branch ISD for two years, where she served as principal at Hunters Creek Elementary. Returning to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as principal of Jowell Elementary, she subsequently opened Keith Elementary in 2004. Mooney has a bachelor of science degree from the State University of New York and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston. She is in the educational leadership doctoral program at Texas A&M University.
Florence ISD Karla Moyer, assistant superintendent of Early ISD for the past three years, will lead Florence ISD as its new superintendent. She is a 22-year education veteran, with 20 of those having been spent in Texas public schools. Her career began when she taught middle school English in Suffern, N.Y. She returned to her native Texas in 1989 as a special education teacher in Irving ISD. She then served in Lancaster ISD as a classroom teacher, principal, director of special programs, director of curriculum and instruction and director of human resources.
Goose Creek CISD Toby York is the new superintendent. He had served as interim superintendent since January. He has been with the district since 2001, when he was hired as executive director of student services. He then was assistant superintendent for personnel and student services from 2002 to 2005. Prior to joining Goose Creek CISD, he was associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Caney ISD, a district he helped lead to TEA “recognized” status for three consecutive years. While in New Caney, he also served as principal of New Caney High School. Additionally, he was athletic director and football coach at both Conroe and Cameron ISDs. York earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Abilene Christian University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University. His doctorate in administration and supervision was awarded from the University of Houston.
Granbury ISD
The district’s new superintendent is Ron Mayfield, who served in the same capacity in school districts in Reagan County from 2000 to 2005 and in Fort Stockton from 2005 until accepting his new role. His education career has also included stints as an assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent in Lamesa ISD. He began his career teaching vocational agriculture in Loraine, Amherst and Lamesa ISDs. Mayfield’s bachelor of science degree in agricultural education and master’s degree in education were earned from Texas Tech University.
Alicia Hernandez is now director of child nutrition. Previously an employee of Northside ISD, she is also the president-elect of the Texas Association for School Nutrition.
Former Superintendent William Harris retired in June. He began his education career as a fifth grade teacher in Fort Bend ISD, moving from that position to assistant principal, principal and finally curriculum director for the district. He was serving as an area superintendent for Fort Bend ISD when he made the move to Granbury. He was named ESC Region 11 Superintendent of the Year in 2004. Harris holds a bachelor of arts degree and a master of education degree, both from Sam Houston State University. He completed additional work at Lamar University and Texas Southern University.
Executive Director of Human Resources Troy Green also announced his upcoming retirement, effective in November. He came to Granbury ISD in 1992 as the high school principal and transferred to his current position in 1997. His career started as a science and social studies teacher in Pasadena ISD, where he served from 1967 to 1979. He then moved to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD to be the administrative assistant to the superintendent at the district’s campus for at-risk students. He also was an assistant principal. Green is a graduate of Baylor University.
Grand Prairie ISD Fred Clausen, a 39-year veteran of Texas public schools, has double news: his retirement from his post as athletic director, effective this past May, and his receiving the title of Texas Athletic Director of the Year by the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. In 1976, he was named Coach of the Year for San Antonio’s Division II schools. In 1985, he was the Northeast Texas Football Coach of the Year. Clausen was Irving ISD’s athletic director from 1994 to 2000, moving to Grand Prairie ISD that year. In his time with Grand Prairie ISD, he has managed athletic construction, renovations and improvements totaling more than $35 million. He now serves as executive director of Equally Fit, a coalition of Dallas-Fort Worth athletic directors who coordinate clinics for middle school and high school coaches working with female athletes.
Hays CISD Carol McKenzie joins the district as director of professional development. She is a principal mentor and coach for schools across the country through the U.S. Department of Education. She has also served on the Texas Education Agency’s State Board of Educator Certification. Previously, she was assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and technology at Lake Travis ISD.
David Pierce is the new principal of Hays High School. He comes to Hays CISD from his role as principal of Mount Vernon ISD’s high school, a position he held since 2005. He was assistant principal of that school for a year before gaining the top position. Pierce was principal of Crockett High School in Austin ISD from 2000 to 2004. He has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas and a master’s degree from Texas State University.
Highland Park ISD Eric Cunningham, who has served the past four years as the assistant boys’ basketball coach, is now head girls’ golf coach at Highland Park High School. In addition to his coaching duties, he teaches speech at Highland Park Middle School. Cunningham was a sales executive prior to joining the district in 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a minor in speech from Northeastern State University. He is completing work toward a master’s degree in school administration from Lamar University.
Timothy Gunter is Highland Park High School’s director of bands. He comes to Highland Park from the University of Arkansas, where he was the director of athletic bands since 1995 and the director of the Razorbacks marching band since 2000. Before the University of Arkansas, he was associate director of bands at Rutgers University and the State University of New Jersey and served as a junior high and high school band director at several Arkansas schools. Gunter has a bachelor’s degree in education instrumental music and a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Arkansas.
Also arriving to Highland Park ISD from out of state is new personnel director Chris Israelson, who most recently served as assistant superintendent for human resources for Valley View Public Schools in Romeoville, Ill. He was also director of special education in that district and a school psychologist at Indian Prairie School District in Naperville, Ill. Israelson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in school psychology from Illinois State University. He has a certification in special education from Lewis University in Romeoville, and his certification in administration from Loyola University in Normal, Ill.
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Lisa Cavin, formerly assistant director of special education, is the new director of special education. She is a 13-year education veteran, having served as ESC Region 11’s evaluation specialist and as a teacher and administrator in several Texas school districts. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Abilene Christian University; her doctorate is from the University of North Texas.
Stepping into the role of assistant director of special education is Deborah Johnson. She has been an educator for 33 years, 28 of them with Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College in Iowa; her master’s degree is from the University of Iowa.
The new principal of Wilshire Elementary School is Carma Schellhorn. She has spent her entire 18-year career with the district, both as a teacher and an administrator. She comes to her new position from South Euless Elementary, where she spent the past four years. Schellhorn has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.
The district’s new assistant superintendent of elementary administration is Lydia Scozzari, who has been with the district for 28 years. She began as a special education teacher at South Euless Elementary School, moving to serve as special education curriculum coordinator, assistant principal for North Euless Elementary School and principal of Donna Park Elementary School. She then was appointed director of special education for the district, a position she held until accepting her new assignment.
Irving ISD
The new principal of Hanes Elementary School is Brenda Bingham, who joined Irving ISD in 1977 as a fifth grade teacher. She was a classroom teacher in the district for 13 years. She also served as vice principal of Davis and Brown elementary schools and as principal of Brandenburg Elementary. In 2001, she became principal of Britain Elementary School, a position she held until her most recent appointment.
Maria Elena Coronado is now principal of Barton Elementary School. She has been principal of Lee Elementary since 2005. Prior to that, she was a staffer in Dallas ISD and with the Diocese of Dallas at St. Mary of Carmel School. She came to Irving ISD in 1997 as a third grade bilingual teacher at Johnston Elementary School. Coronado became Barton Elementary’s vice principal in 2000.
Jane Lampton is principal at Britain Elementary School. Before coming to Irving ISD, she was a reading and special education teacher with Dallas ISD, also serving as a resource administrator, acting principal, assistant principal and principal for that district. She arrived in Irving ISD in 2000, where she has been principal of Barton Elementary.
The principal of Clifton Early Childhood School will be Stephanie Lee. She came to the district in 2000 as a special education teacher at Britain Elementary and then taught third grade the following year. She taught fourth grade from 2003 to 2005, adding fourth grade ESL to her teaching portfolio in 2005. Since 2006, Lee has been principal of Townsell Elementary School.
David Saenz has been appointed principal of the Jack E. Singley Academy. He joined Irving ISD in 2002, serving as a teacher, team leader, instructional coach, and 21st Century Learning Center manager. In 2005, he became vice principal of Austin Middle School. Saenz earned a bachelor of science degree from The University of Texas and a master of educational administration degree from the University of North Texas, where he now is working toward his doctor of education degree.
Wendi Vaughn is principal of Lee Elementary School. She joined Irving ISD in 1997 as a gifted and talented teacher for fourth grade, a position she held until transferring to Good Elementary in 2006 as a University of Texas at Arlington administrative intern. She became the school’s vice principal in 2007. Prior to coming to Irving, Vaughn taught sixth grade in Savanna Public Schools in Oklahoma.
Steven Wurtz, who has been away from Irving ISD for several years, returns to the district as principal at Schultze Elementary School. He began his education career in Irving ISD in 2000 at the language development center as a bilingual/ESL teacher for first through fifth graders. He moved to Good Elementary School in 2001 as a fourth- and fifth-grade gifted and talented teacher and fifth grade bilingual teacher. From 2003 to 2007, he served as assistant principal of Keyes Elementary School. Wurtz was principal of Stephen F. Austin Elementary in Grand Prairie ISD from 2007 until his return to Irving ISD.
The district’s new parent coordinator is Erin Yacho. She most recently was principal of Schultze Elementary School. A member of the Irving ISD team since 1994 when she began teaching bilingual first grade at Good Elementary, Yacho moved on to be vice principal of Farine Elementary School in 1999. She was appointed principal of Schultze in 2004.
Kingsville ISD
The new superintendent is Emilio Castro. He hails from Dallas ISD, where he has been a teacher and administrator for the past 13 years. Beginning as a bilingual teacher, he subsequently served as a high school assistant principal and as an elementary, middle school and high school principal. Castro’s most recent position was area superintendent and executive director for Dallas ISD.
Lackland ISD
The new superintendent is Burnie Roper. He most recently was principal of Stacey Junior and Senior High School, also in Lackland ISD. He has held other administrative assignments in San Antonio districts, including Southside, Judson and Fort Sam Houston. Roper began his career as a sixth grade math teacher with San Antonio ISD. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. His doctorate is from Nova Southeastern University. He is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and holds the rank of major.
Liberty ISD
The district has named Cynthia Lusignolo as the new superintendent. She comes to Liberty ISD from Barbers Hill ISD, where she was assistant superintendent of personnel, a position she held from 2005 until the present. Before beginning her education career, she was a civilian instructor for the U.S. Air Force. In 1993, she joined the faculty of Wichita Falls ISD, serving as a first grade teacher and middle school math teacher and then moving into administration as a middle school assistant principal and assistant director of human resources. Lusignolo earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her master of education degree in school administration from Midwestern State University; she received her superintendent certification through ESC Region 4 and St. Thomas University. She is working on her doctorate in educational leadership at Lamar University in Beaumont.
Little Elm ISD Anna King has been named principal of Lakeside Junior High School, replacing Larry Winget, who retired in June after 29 years in education. King most recently completed three years as assistant principal of Fossil Ridge High School in Keller ISD; she was also that district’s testing coordinator. Additionally, she served as curriculum director of Killeen ISD’s Ellison High School and assistant principal of Austin Middle School in Bryan ISD. Prior to her public school service, King was with the Princeton Review. Her bachelor of science degree in business education is from the University of Central Arkansas and her master of science degree in education is from Texas A&M University, where she also earned her psychology doctorate in educational human resource development.
Lubbock ISD Karen Garza is the new superintendent. She most recently served as the chief academic officer of Houston ISD, where she was second in command in the largest school district in the state and the seventh largest in the nation. Prior to her time with Houston ISD, she was deputy superintendent of Corpus Christi ISD. Garza has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Houston, and her doctorate is from The University of Texas.
Stepping down from the role of superintendent is Wayne Havens, whose retirement concludes a 41-year career in education. He began in Lubbock in 1968 as a teacher and coach at Cooper High School. He then was athletic director and head coach for Idalou High School from 1971 to 1973, before taking the same roles at Spur High School from 1973 to 1974. He returned to Lubbock ISD that year, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for secondary operations, interim superintendent, assistant superintendent and, finally, superintendent — a position he had held since 2003. He earned his bachelor of science degree, master’s degree and mid-management certification at Texas Tech University.
McAllen ISD
The new superintendent is James J. Ponce, who comes to his new position from Dallas ISD, where he was deputy chief of staff. In that role, he provided leadership for the district’s transformation management office, emergency management and operations, police and security services, parent services, school choice and athletics. In Dallas ISD, he also served as Area 6 superintendent, which included 36 campuses and 30,000 students. He has been a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, elementary school principal, and director of Reading First in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Ponce earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his master’s degree and doctoral degree in education at The University of Texas.
New Caney ISD Kenn K. Franklin is the new superintendent. He previously was the superintendent of Marshall ISD since 2005. With a total of 21 years in education, six of those as a teacher and coach and 15 as an administrator, he has worked in Marfa, Tyler, Athens and Dallas ISDs. Franklin earned his bachelor of science degree, master of education degree and superintendent certification from The University of Texas at Tyler.
Pasadena ISD
The new associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction for pre-K through 6th grade is Karen Hickman. She has been one of the district’s executive directors since 2007. Hickman began her education career in 1985 and was principal of Matthys Elementary School from 1999 to 2007, winning recognition as a TEPSA National Distinguished Principal. Her bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas, and her master’s degree is from the University of Houston.
Troy McCarley is the associate superintendent for campus development. He began his career as a teacher in 1993, subsequently serving as assistant principal at Jackson Intermediate School and as principal of Queens Intermediate and Sam Rayburn High. Since 2007, he has been one of the district’s executive directors of campus performance. McCarley received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Rosie Prusz was named associate superintendent for leadership and instruction support. She had been principal of Kruse Elementary School since 1997. She began her time with Pasadena ISD in 1980 as a fourth grade teacher and was an instructional specialist from 1991 to 1997. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Joe Saavedra has been appointed principal of Pasadena High School. He was the principal at Miller Intermediate School, where he held that position for the past six years. He began his career as a math teacher at Jackson Intermediate in 1998, advancing to assistant principal in 2002. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), and a master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
The new superintendent for curriculum and instruction for 7th through 12th grades is Billye Smith, who had served as principal of Memorial High since it opened in 2001. She came to Pasadena ISD in 1988 as a teacher at Teague Elementary School. She has served as a secondary school assistant principal and principal in Pasadena and Deer Park ISDs. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Rogers ISD Robert “Bob” Callaghan is the new superintendent. He is the former superintendent of Borger ISD, where he had served since 2007. With 28 years in public education, he also has served as principal of Borger High School and Temple High School, assistant principal of South Houston High School, and as a teacher, head girls’ basketball coach and boys’ track coach. Callaghan earned his bachelor of science degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., his master of education degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and his superintendent certification from West Texas A&M University in Canyon.
Rosebud-Lott ISD Anthony Price is the new superintendent. Prior to becoming an educator, he was a biomedical engineer, installing medical equipment in hospitals across the country. He then was with General Dynamics for seven years before becoming a math teacher in Fort Worth ISD, where he also wrote math curriculum for the district. He then became principal of Everman Junior High in Everman ISD, gaining national recognition for some of the programs he initiated in the school. He most recently was a member of the administration of Tarrant County College, serving as program director for the mentor-mentee program. Price’s master of education degree is from Texas Woman’s University.
Texas City ISD Joseph Figarelli is director of visual and performing arts. He will oversee all visual arts, band, choir, theater and dance programs for the district. He was previously director of bands at Harlingen ISD’s Coakley Middle School.
Leading Levi Fry Intermediate School as its principal is Holly LaRoe. She has been the school’s interim principal since January. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal since 2006. She also has served as Blocker Middle School’s special education facilitator.
Bobby Martinez comes to Fry Intermediate as the school’s assistant principal, where he has served as interim assistant principal since January. He began his work at Fry in 2005 as a bilingual resource class teacher.
Terri Watkins is the new assistant superintendent for support services, taking charge of policy and handbook updates, student disciplinary appeals, employee grievances and student data. She returns to Texas City from Galveston ISD, where she was assistant superintendent for administration; prior to that role, she served the district as principal of Scott and San Jacinto elementary schools, executive director of human resources and executive director of elementary education. Previously in Texas City ISD, she was a special education director/teacher at Heights Elementary and the assistant principal at Northside and Kohfeldt elementary schools.
Ysleta ISD Frank Burton, interim principal of Ysleta High School, is now the principal. He has been with the district since 1972, when he became a health teacher at Eastwood Junior High. Five years later, he was promoted to assistant principal of the school. In 1979, he became assistant principal of J.M. Hanks High School. Burton subsequently filled the same role at Eastwood High School and Hillcrest Middle School. He was named principal of Eastwood High in 1987, and then he served as assistant principal of Edgemere Elementary School. He was named principal of Hillcrest Middle School in 1994 and of Eastwood High in 2004. Burton earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education and speech and a master of education degree in administration from Sul Ross State University.
Elementary since 1999, he was previously assistant principal at that school and at the Shannon Learning Center. Additionally, he was lead teacher in Birdville ISD’s disciplinary alternative education program for two years and a middle school special education teacher for two years. He was the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association’s Region 11 Elementary Principal of the Year in 2004 and a state finalist that same year. Ellis earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University. 
1999, he was most recently director of curriculum and instruction for the district. Prior to that post, he served as principal of Birdville High School and North Ridge Middle School, as assistant principal of Haltom High School and North Richland Middle School, as the district’s administrator for virtual education and as assistant principal of North Richland Middle School. Ledbetter earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his master’s degree from the University of North Texas; his doctorate is from Baylor. 
since 1990, she also has served as a language arts consultant, administrative intern, and ESL and English teacher. Solley’s bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas at Arlington and her master’s degree is from the University of North Texas.
of Brenham ISD. His 26 years in education have been evenly divided between teaching/coaching and administrative positions. In Hamilton ISD, he was principal of Hamilton High School for four years. For three years he served as assistant principal of Mineral Wells High School in Mineral Wells ISD. He has served as head basketball coach in Brownwood, West Mesquite and Rice Consolidated high schools. Bell earned a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
of staff for El Paso ISD. He began his career as a middle school science teacher in Ysleta ISD. He served as assistant principal in both Ysleta and Socorro ISDs. At Socorro ISD, Gabaldon held directorships in human resources and instructional services. In 2003, he became the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. He also served as the district’s assistant superintendent for priority schools. Gabaldon earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from The University of Texas at El Paso. 
with 26 years of experience, beginning her career at Klein High School in Klein ISD before joining Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 1986 as a speech and debate teacher at Cypress Creek High School. Her next assignment was at Cypress Falls High, where she was a classroom teacher until her promotion to director of instruction at Truitt Middle School. She then held the same position at Jersey Village High School, subsequently transferring to Labay Middle School, where she has served as principal since 2005. Johns earned her bachelor of science degree from The University of Texas, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in education are from the University of Houston. Her certifications include secondary speech, secondary Spanish, mid-management administration, supervisor and superintendent. 
public schools, 25 of those spent in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, she was a classroom teacher at Bane and Francone elementary schools before becoming assistant principal at Metcalf Elementary. She was then assistant principal at Ault Elementary, before moving to Spring Branch ISD for two years, where she served as principal at Hunters Creek Elementary. Returning to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as principal of Jowell Elementary, she subsequently opened Keith Elementary in 2004. Mooney has a bachelor of science degree from the State University of New York and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston. She is in the educational leadership doctoral program at Texas A&M University. 
new superintendent. She is a 22-year education veteran, with 20 of those having been spent in Texas public schools. Her career began when she taught middle school English in Suffern, N.Y. She returned to her native Texas in 1989 as a special education teacher in Irving ISD. She then served in Lancaster ISD as a classroom teacher, principal, director of special programs, director of curriculum and instruction and director of human resources.
been with the district since 2001, when he was hired as executive director of student services. He then was assistant superintendent for personnel and student services from 2002 to 2005. Prior to joining Goose Creek CISD, he was associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Caney ISD, a district he helped lead to TEA “recognized” status for three consecutive years. While in New Caney, he also served as principal of New Caney High School. Additionally, he was athletic director and football coach at both Conroe and Cameron ISDs. York earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Abilene Christian University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University. His doctorate in administration and supervision was awarded from the University of Houston. 
Reagan County from 2000 to 2005 and in Fort Stockton from 2005 until accepting his new role. His education career has also included stints as an assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent in Lamesa ISD. He began his career teaching vocational agriculture in Loraine, Amherst and Lamesa ISDs. Mayfield’s bachelor of science degree in agricultural education and master’s degree in education were earned from Texas Tech University.
the president-elect of the Texas Association for School Nutrition.
teacher in Fort Bend ISD, moving from that position to assistant principal, principal and finally curriculum director for the district. He was serving as an area superintendent for Fort Bend ISD when he made the move to Granbury. He was named ESC Region 11 Superintendent of the Year in 2004. Harris holds a bachelor of arts degree and a master of education degree, both from Sam Houston State University. He completed additional work at Lamar University and Texas Southern University.
effective in November. He came to Granbury ISD in 1992 as the high school principal and transferred to his current position in 1997. His career started as a science and social studies teacher in Pasadena ISD, where he served from 1967 to 1979. He then moved to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD to be the administrative assistant to the superintendent at the district’s campus for at-risk students. He also was an assistant principal. Green is a graduate of Baylor University.
athletic director, effective this past May, and his receiving the title of Texas Athletic Director of the Year by the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. In 1976, he was named Coach of the Year for San Antonio’s Division II schools. In 1985, he was the Northeast Texas Football Coach of the Year. Clausen was Irving ISD’s athletic director from 1994 to 2000, moving to Grand Prairie ISD that year. In his time with Grand Prairie ISD, he has managed athletic construction, renovations and improvements totaling more than $35 million. He now serves as executive director of Equally Fit, a coalition of Dallas-Fort Worth athletic directors who coordinate clinics for middle school and high school coaches working with female athletes.
of Mount Vernon ISD’s high school, a position he held since 2005. He was assistant principal of that school for a year before gaining the top position. Pierce was principal of Crockett High School in Austin ISD from 2000 to 2004. He has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas and a master’s degree from Texas State University. 
girls’ golf coach at Highland Park High School. In addition to his coaching duties, he teaches speech at Highland Park Middle School. Cunningham was a sales executive prior to joining the district in 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a minor in speech from Northeastern State University. He is completing work toward a master’s degree in school administration from Lamar University. 
University of Arkansas, where he was the director of athletic bands since 1995 and the director of the Razorbacks marching band since 2000. Before the University of Arkansas, he was associate director of bands at Rutgers University and the State University of New Jersey and served as a junior high and high school band director at several Arkansas schools. Gunter has a bachelor’s degree in education instrumental music and a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Arkansas.
recently served as assistant superintendent for human resources for Valley View Public Schools in Romeoville, Ill. He was also director of special education in that district and a school psychologist at Indian Prairie School District in Naperville, Ill. Israelson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in school psychology from Illinois State University. He has a certification in special education from Lewis University in Romeoville, and his certification in administration from Loyola University in Normal, Ill. 
18-year career with the district, both as a teacher and an administrator. She comes to her new position from South Euless Elementary, where she spent the past four years. Schellhorn has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.
been with the district for 28 years. She began as a special education teacher at South Euless Elementary School, moving to serve as special education curriculum coordinator, assistant principal for North Euless Elementary School and principal of Donna Park Elementary School. She then was appointed director of special education for the district, a position she held until accepting her new assignment. 
fifth grade teacher. She was a classroom teacher in the district for 13 years. She also served as vice principal of Davis and Brown elementary schools and as principal of Brandenburg Elementary. In 2001, she became principal of Britain Elementary School, a position she held until her most recent appointment.
Elementary since 2005. Prior to that, she was a staffer in Dallas ISD and with the Diocese of Dallas at St. Mary of Carmel School. She came to Irving ISD in 1997 as a third grade bilingual teacher at Johnston Elementary School. Coronado became Barton Elementary’s vice principal in 2000.
reading and special education teacher with Dallas ISD, also serving as a resource administrator, acting principal, assistant principal and principal for that district. She arrived in Irving ISD in 2000, where she has been principal of Barton Elementary. 
as a special education teacher at Britain Elementary and then taught third grade the following year. She taught fourth grade from 2003 to 2005, adding fourth grade ESL to her teaching portfolio in 2005. Since 2006, Lee has been principal of Townsell Elementary School. 
2002, serving as a teacher, team leader, instructional coach, and 21st Century Learning Center manager. In 2005, he became vice principal of Austin Middle School. Saenz earned a bachelor of science degree from The University of Texas and a master of educational administration degree from the University of North Texas, where he now is working toward his doctor of education degree.
talented teacher for fourth grade, a position she held until transferring to Good Elementary in 2006 as a University of Texas at Arlington administrative intern. She became the school’s vice principal in 2007. Prior to coming to Irving, Vaughn taught sixth grade in Savanna Public Schools in Oklahoma.
Schultze Elementary School. He began his education career in Irving ISD in 2000 at the language development center as a bilingual/ESL teacher for first through fifth graders. He moved to Good Elementary School in 2001 as a fourth- and fifth-grade gifted and talented teacher and fifth grade bilingual teacher. From 2003 to 2007, he served as assistant principal of Keyes Elementary School. Wurtz was principal of Stephen F. Austin Elementary in Grand Prairie ISD from 2007 until his return to Irving ISD.
Barbers Hill ISD, where she was assistant superintendent of personnel, a position she held from 2005 until the present. Before beginning her education career, she was a civilian instructor for the U.S. Air Force. In 1993, she joined the faculty of Wichita Falls ISD, serving as a first grade teacher and middle school math teacher and then moving into administration as a middle school assistant principal and assistant director of human resources. Lusignolo earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her master of education degree in school administration from Midwestern State University; she received her superintendent certification through ESC Region 4 and St. Thomas University. She is working on her doctorate in educational leadership at Lamar University in Beaumont.
retired in June after 29 years in education. King most recently completed three years as assistant principal of Fossil Ridge High School in Keller ISD; she was also that district’s testing coordinator. Additionally, she served as curriculum director of Killeen ISD’s Ellison High School and assistant principal of Austin Middle School in Bryan ISD. Prior to her public school service, King was with the Princeton Review. Her bachelor of science degree in business education is from the University of Central Arkansas and her master of science degree in education is from Texas A&M University, where she also earned her psychology doctorate in educational human resource development.
41-year career in education. He began in Lubbock in 1968 as a teacher and coach at Cooper High School. He then was athletic director and head coach for Idalou High School from 1971 to 1973, before taking the same roles at Spur High School from 1973 to 1974. He returned to Lubbock ISD that year, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for secondary operations, interim superintendent, assistant superintendent and, finally, superintendent — a position he had held since 2003. He earned his bachelor of science degree, master’s degree and mid-management certification at Texas Tech University. 
was deputy chief of staff. In that role, he provided leadership for the district’s transformation management office, emergency management and operations, police and security services, parent services, school choice and athletics. In Dallas ISD, he also served as Area 6 superintendent, which included 36 campuses and 30,000 students. He has been a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, elementary school principal, and director of Reading First in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Ponce earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his master’s degree and doctoral degree in education at The University of Texas.
Karen Hickman. She has been one of the district’s executive directors since 2007. Hickman began her education career in 1985 and was principal of Matthys Elementary School from 1999 to 2007, winning recognition as a TEPSA National Distinguished Principal. Her bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas, and her master’s degree is from the University of Houston. 
teacher in 1993, subsequently serving as assistant principal at Jackson Intermediate School and as principal of Queens Intermediate and Sam Rayburn High. Since 2007, he has been one of the district’s executive directors of campus performance. McCarley received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. 
been principal of Kruse Elementary School since 1997. She began her time with Pasadena ISD in 1980 as a fourth grade teacher and was an instructional specialist from 1991 to 1997. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Intermediate School, where he held that position for the past six years. He began his career as a math teacher at Jackson Intermediate in 1998, advancing to assistant principal in 2002. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), and a master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. 
who had served as principal of Memorial High since it opened in 2001. She came to Pasadena ISD in 1988 as a teacher at Teague Elementary School. She has served as a secondary school assistant principal and principal in Pasadena and Deer Park ISDs. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
where he had served since 2007. With 28 years in public education, he also has served as principal of Borger High School and Temple High School, assistant principal of South Houston High School, and as a teacher, head girls’ basketball coach and boys’ track coach. Callaghan earned his bachelor of science degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., his master of education degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and his superintendent certification from West Texas A&M University in Canyon. 
theater and dance programs for the district. He was previously director of bands at Harlingen ISD’s Coakley Middle School. 
principal since January. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal since 2006. She also has served as Blocker Middle School’s special education facilitator.
interim assistant principal since January. He began his work at Fry in 2005 as a bilingual resource class teacher. 
handbook updates, student disciplinary appeals, employee grievances and student data. She returns to Texas City from Galveston ISD, where she was assistant superintendent for administration; prior to that role, she served the district as principal of Scott and San Jacinto elementary schools, executive director of human resources and executive director of elementary education. Previously in Texas City ISD, she was a special education director/teacher at Heights Elementary and the assistant principal at Northside and Kohfeldt elementary schools. 
since 1972, when he became a health teacher at Eastwood Junior High. Five years later, he was promoted to assistant principal of the school. In 1979, he became assistant principal of J.M. Hanks High School. Burton subsequently filled the same role at Eastwood High School and Hillcrest Middle School. He was named principal of Eastwood High in 1987, and then he served as assistant principal of Edgemere Elementary School. He was named principal of Hillcrest Middle School in 1994 and of Eastwood High in 2004. Burton earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education and speech and a master of education degree in administration from Sul Ross State University.