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Who's News – September 2010
*Continued from Part One, here! McKinney ISD
McMullen County ISD Dave Underwood is the new superintendent. He comes to his new position from Priddy ISD, where he also held the top job. New Caney ISD Paul Batchelder, a native of New Caney, now has the job of energy education specialist, a newly created position that is intended to implement conservation procedures at all district facilities. He will conduct energy audits throughout the year and work with a consulting company to create a customized energy conservation plan for New Caney ISD. Batchelder joined the district in 2008, when he taught high school science at the Learning Center campus; he was named the district’s secondary schools Teacher of the Year that year. He then transferred to his alma mater, New Caney High School, where he taught chemistry, conceptual chemistry and pre-AP biology. Batchelder holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Northside ISD Evelyn Cobarruvias, former principal of Meadow Village Elementary, now leads Martin Elementary. Her entire 28-year career has been spent with Northside ISD, as a teacher at Esparza, Valley Hi and Powell elementary schools and then as vice principal of Leon Valley and Scobee elementary schools. Cobarruvias has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Leading Behlau Elementary School as principal is Jody Fries, who has been an educator for 23 years and has been with Northside ISD since 1996. She began in the district as a fifth grade teacher at Locke Hill Elementary, later serving as vice principal of May and Stuebing elementary schools. Before accepting her new assignment, she was principal of Braun Station Elementary. Fries earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. Henderson Elementary School has Tom Mackey at the helm. He became an educator in 1994 as a teacher at Brauchle Elementary in Northside ISD. He was subsequently STEPS coordinator at Adams Hill Elementary, vice principal of Burke Elementary and, most recently, principal of Fernandez Elementary. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from The University of Texas and a master’s degree in education administration from San Antonio’s Trinity University.
Perrin-Whitt CISD
Pflugerville ISD Dave Bauman is leading Northwest Elementary School as its principal. He was the school’s assistant principal. He began his career in 1983 as a special education teacher at Reagan High School in Austin ISD, where he also worked as an assistant principal. He came to Pflugerville in 1998 as an assistant principal at Brookhollow Elementary School. He served in the same capacity at Timmerman and Northwest elementary schools. His bachelor’s degree in elementary education is from Winona State University in Minnesota and his master’s degree is from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). The new principal of Dessau Middle School is Lisa Coston, who came to Pflugerville ISD in 2007 as assistant principal at the school. Prior to that, she was assistant principal of Pearce Middle School in Austin ISD and dean of instruction at Elkins High School in Missouri City ISD. Her bachelor’s degree is from Texas A&M University. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Victoria. Westview Middle School has Martha Forney as its principal. She was with Nacogdoches ISD from 1982 through 2005 in a number of roles, including classroom teacher and assistant principal. Arriving in Pflugerville in 2005, she was assistant principal first at Hendrickson High School and then Pflugerville Middle School. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. Guiding Highland Park Elementary School as principal is Jose Medina, who began his career in El Paso’s Socorro ISD as a drama and communications applications teacher and director of forensics. He then taught in Ysleta, Copperas Cove and Austin ISDs before coming to Pflugerville in 2008 as assistant principal of Pflugerville High School. He has a master’s degree in theater education from New York University and earned his principal certification from Tarleton State University. Barry Miller is now the principal of Parmer Lane Elementary School, after serving as acting principal of the school. He has been with Pflugerville ISD since 1997, when he began teaching history at Pflugerville Middle School. He became assistant principal of Parmer Lane in 2005 and served in that capacity until January of this year, when he took on the duties of acting principal. Miller’s bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas at Arlington and his master’s degree in education is from Texas State University. Tana Ruckel has taken the top job as Delco Primary School’s principal. She came to Pflugerville in 1995 as a kindergarten teacher at Dessau Elementary, where she subsequently served as assistant principal. She held that position at Delco as well. Her career began in Tyler ISD, where she was a classroom teacher and coach. Ruckel holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master of education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Diana Sustaita is the new director of curriculum, coming to her new post from serving as principal of Dessau Middle School. She began her career as a teacher in Laredo ISD. She then served as principal at the middle school and high school levels in Fort Bend ISD. She was a middle school principal in Austin ISD before coming to Pflugerville in 2007 to take her most recent assignment at Dessau. Sustaita earned her bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas and a master’s degree in education from Texas A&M University. She is working on her doctorate from that institution. Prosper ISD
Quanah ISD Buddy Freeman, most recently assistant superintendent of Prairiland ISD, is the new superintendent. His education career began in 1984, when he taught secondary agriculture science in Prairiland. This eight-year assignment was followed by service as principal at Blossom Elementary in the district. In 1994, he became assistant superintendent of Prairiland ISD, with responsibility for technology, curriculum, cafeteria, transportation and textbooks. He was promoted to assistant superintendent/business manager in 2000. Redwater ISD The new superintendent, Robert Wheeley, comes to his new job from Kilgore ISD, where he was assistant superintendent. Robstown ISD
Obregon holds an associate of arts degree in education from Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), and a master of arts degree in education from San Diego State University. He is at work on completing a doctorate in educational leadership. Royse City
San Antonio ISD Delia McLerran has taken on the responsibilities of principal of the district’s two-year-old Young Women’s Leadership Academy, an all-girls’ college preparatory school. After earning her bachelor’s degree in history and sociology from Columbia University, she was a student teacher at Kennedy High School in the Bronx, New York. She then returned to Texas to earn her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas. McLerran comes to her new job from Corpus Christi, where she was principal of Miller High School, her alma mater and where she had been valedictorian. In addition to serving in that position, she has taught eighth grade history at Martin Middle School and has been assistant principal at Miller and principal of Wynn Seale Fine Arts Academy. San Marcos CISD
Sterling City ISD The new principal of Sterling City High School is Oscar Muniz, the former athletic director and head football coach of Baird ISD. Sunray ISD
Terrell ISD Angela Barton began the school year as principal of Burnett Elementary School. She comes to Terrell from Willis ISD, where she was dean of students at Willis Point Middle School. Prior to that assignment, she was principal of the school and taught for five years. Stepping into the role of director of career and technical education is Peggy Bridges, who spent the past six years in a similar capacity at Hays CISD. Prior to that assignment, she was with the Texas Youth Commission for 14 years, also working in the area of career and technical education. Texarkana ISD
Texas Middle School began the new school year with Michael Rutherford as its dean of students. He is a 19-year veteran of education, having begun as a fifth grade teacher at La Joya ISD’s Benavides Elementary. He then spent 1993 through 2001 in Austin ISD as a fifth grade math and science teacher at Galindo Elementary. He moved to Mt. Pleasant ISD in 2001, where he spent five years as a seventh grade math teacher. He then became a seventh grade math and pre-algebra teacher in Pewitt CISD, before becoming assistant principal and a teacher at Pewitt Junior High. Rutherford’s bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies is from East Texas State University; he is completing work for his master of science degree in administration from Lamar University.
Three Way ISD A new superintendent is at the helm. He is David Allen, who formerly was director of technology and curriculum management for the district. Tomball ISD
Waco ISD
Waller ISD Kelly Baehren is the district’s new director of curriculum and instruction. She has been with Waller ISD since 2001, when she took on the role of Waller High School principal for curriculum and instruction; she has served as principal of that school since 2004. Baehren earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education. The principal of Holleman Elementary School is Stephanie Fletcher, coming to her new job from serving as assistant principal of Turlington Elementary since the school opened in 2009. Before that assignment, she was assistant principal at Waller Junior High. She was also a teacher at Jones Elementary and an administrative intern at the school. Her bachelor’s degree is in academic studies and her master’s degree is in educational administration. Joy Kanyo, who has been with Waller ISD for 30 years as a teacher and administrator, is now director of federal programs, grant writing and staff development. She has two bachelor’s degrees, one in secondary and elementary education design and assessment and another in English. She also has a master’s degree in instruction, reading and assessment; she is at work on her doctorate in curriculum and instruction. The district’s new energy education specialist is Terry Logan, who has been assistant principal and girls’ athletics coordinator at Waller High School since 2004. Before coming to Waller, he was assistant principal at Caldwell ISD’s Caldwell High School and taught and coached for more than 30 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in health education and a master’s degree in education administration. Schultz Junior High School’s new principal is Bennie Mayes. Most recently assistant principal of Waller High School, he came to Waller in 2007. Prior to that, he was assistant principal of Bellville High School in Bellville ISD and a teacher and coach. Mayes holds a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance and a master’s degree in educational administration. Waller High School’s new principal is Brian Merrell, who arrived in Waller ISD in 2005 as principal of Schultz Junior High. Prior to coming to Waller, he was with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as a biology teacher, middle school principal and academic achievement specialist. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in education and a doctorate. Troy Mooney has been named assistant superintendent for administration. He returns to Waller, where he was initially assistant principal of Waller High School and then principal of Waller Junior High, after serving as Fort Bend ISD’s Kempner High School principal since 2008. He first came to Waller ISD in 1993 as a teacher and coach after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s degree in educational administration. Claudia Mordecai has been named principal of Fields Store Elementary School, where she served as interim principal since February and was assistant principal since 2008. She spent nine years as a math teacher and coach, followed by appointments as academic achievement specialist at Schultz Middle School and Waller ISD’s math specialist. Her bachelor’s degree is in academic studies and her master’s degree is in education administration. Weimar ISD Jon Wunderlich, former principal of Weimar High School, is the new superintendent. Wellman-Union ISD The new superintendent is Dewayne Chenault, who was formerly superintendent of Anton ISD. West Hardin County ISD Chad Jones, most recently high school principal in Rockdale ISD, is the new superintendent. He began his career in Oklahoma, teaching and coaching in public schools in Norman, Tecumseh and Bristow. He came to Texas in 2004 to accept the position of assistant principal of A&M Consolidated High School in College Station ISD. While in that district, he also served as an elementary principal. West Rusk ISD The new assistant principal for West Rusk Middle School and West Rusk High School is Lawrence Coleman. He comes to his new position from Hallsville ISD, where he was elementary and intermediate assistant principal. Wharton ISD Kay Shoppa comes to her new role as superintendent after serving as the district’s interim superintendent. Wichita Falls ISD
Willis ISD Rebecca Brite is now leading Lucas Middle School as its principal. She comes to Willis from Aldine, where she has spent all of her 22 years as an educator. She was most recently assistant principal of Nimitz Senior High School there. Brite earned her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and her master’s degree from the University of Houston. A new principal is in place for Willis High School. She is Leslie Holtkamp, who was assistant principal of College Park High School in The Woodlands until accepting her new role. An educator for 18 years, she began as a teacher at Hardy Elementary School in Willis and was subsequently a counselor in Kingwood ISD. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as her doctorate, were earned from Sam Houston State University. Lisa Severans is the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Ysleta ISD (El Paso)
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Eddins Elementary School began the 2010-2011 school year with a new principal. She is Sharon Havard, who served as the school’s assistant principal from 2004 to 2009. An educator with more than 23 years of experience, she was most recently assistant principal of Burks Elementary. Besides her work with Eddins and Burks, she was assistant principal at McKinney’s Glen Oaks Elementary; second grade team leader at Mitchell Elementary School and fifth grade assistant team leader at Robinson Middle School, both in Plano ISD; and fourth grade team leader at Dover Elementary in Richardson ISD. She also was a classroom teacher in El Paso, Lubbock and Slaton ISDs. Havard’s bachelor of science degree in elementary education is from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in educational administration is from the University of North Texas.
Javier Martinez is principal at Briscoe Middle School. He spent the past 12 years as principal of Zachary Middle School. A native of San Antonio and graduate of the city’s Edgewood ISD schools, he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. Upon returning to his home city, he taught at Cooper Middle School. He then was an assistant and head band director for the next 11 years in Edgewood, San Antonio and Northside ISDs. He completed his master’s degree in education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville and was appointed assistant principal of Jay High School in Northside ISD in 1991. In 1998, he became assistant principal of Clark High School, also in Northside ISD, before going to Zachary Middle School.
The principal post at Brennan High School is held by Gerardo Marquez, formerly principal of Jay High School in Northside ISD. He began his career in the district in 1998 as assistant principal of that school, and then he served as vice principal there before taking on the principal position. He began his career as a teacher and a coach at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio ISD, becoming vice principal of King Middle School in 1997. Marquez holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Kingsville.
The new executive director of athletics is Stan Laing, an educator with 25 years of experience, 17 of those as a coach, including stints at Abilene High School and Jay and O’Connor high schools in Northside ISD. He then became an administrator, serving as principal of Northside ISD’s Clark High School since 2006.
New Superintendent John Kuhn is an alumnus of Perrin High School. After graduating from Tarleton State University with a bachelor of arts degree in English, he served two years as a missions volunteer worker in Peru. Upon returning to the states, he taught English, Spanish and ESL in Graford ISD, moving to Mineral Wells ISD in 2002 to teach. He then became an assistant principal before being named principal of Mineral Wells High School in 2007, where he remained until making the move to Perrin-Whitt. Kuhn also serves on the advisory board for Tarleton State’s TMATE alternative teacher certification program and is on the state advisory council for the Texas Virtual Schools Network. In 2008, he participated in Harvard’s Principal Leadership Program.
Michael Goddard started the school year as assistant superintendent of business and operations. He comes to his new position from Lovejoy ISD in Lucas, where he was Lovejoy High School’s first principal. In McKinney ISD, he was an administrator, lecturer and communications applications teacher. Additionally, Goddard served as an area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was a One Way 2 Play Drug Free coordinator, and a director of T Bar M camps and resorts. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and holds a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of North Texas.
Alfonso Obregon, who has been the district’s interim superintendent since November, is the new superintendent. He began as an elementary school teacher in Pearsall ISD, and then he served as the district’s visiting teacher coordinator. He next was assistant superintendent of federal programs in Crystal City ISD, followed by service as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Dilley ISD, where he ultimately was superintendent. He spent a year as an accreditation specialist for the Texas Education Agency before accepting the superintendent position in Progreso ISD and then at Asherton ISD. He took a break from public education to work as the director of education for Correctional Services Corporation at the Frio Detention Facility, leaving that job to take on the role of superintendent in Charlotte ISD, where he remained until taking the interim superintendent position in Robstown ISD.
David Dodd now leads Royse City High School as its principal. He spent the previous 26 years with Richardson ISD, 16 of those as a classroom teacher and 10 as an administrator. In addition to his most recent position as magnet school principal at Richardson High School, he has been a coordinator of academic competitions and an assistant high school principal. Dodd’s bachelor of science degree was earned from Texas A&M University at Commerce and his master of education degree is from North Texas State University.
Kenny Kay Hudson has been assigned the responsibilities of federal programs director, in addition to the district’s special education programs. A graduate of Texas A&M University at Commerce with a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in education, she began her career as a special education teacher in Celeste ISD. She came to Royse City in 1998 as a diagnostician and subsequently was an assistant elementary school principal, before taking on her most recent job as special education director.
Jeff Webb has been promoted from principal of Royse City High School to associate superintendent for human resources and academics. He was initially a science and physical education teacher and a coach in Tom Bean ISD; he served as a high school principal before coming to Royse City. He earned his bachelor of science degree at East Texas State University and a master of science degree in education administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
Richard Duvall, who has been with the district since 2006, is the new assistant principal of Goodnight Middle School. He comes to his new job from San Marcos High School, where he was a 10th grade biology teacher and athletic coach. Duvall has a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Texas Southern University in Houston.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lolly Guerra has been appointed to the executive committee of the Texas Association of School Administrators.
Glen Waldo has been promoted from assistant superintendent for business to superintendent. He began his career in 1986 as a fifth grade teacher in Shamrock ISD, and then he transferred to a classroom position in Galena Park ISD. He next spent five years as elementary principal in Nazareth ISD, followed by administration roles in Hart, Kress and Happy ISDs. He was then superintendent in Darrouzett ISD, while also serving as that district’s K-6 school principal. He arrived in Sunray to take his most recent position in 2005. Waldo earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest Oklahoma State University and his master’s degree in educational management from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Sandra Austin began the school year as coordinator of elementary library services/secondary advisor. She has 28 years’ experience in library science. She came to Texarkana in 1992 as Texas High School’s librarian. Her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in French literature were earned from the University of Arkansas, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in library science are from Texas Woman’s University.
An education veteran of 21 years, Karen Brown has assumed the duties of associate principal of Texas Middle School. She takes on her new responsibilities in addition to her ongoing role as the school’s seventh grade principal. Brown began her career in 1989 as a third grade teacher in Pine Forest Elementary in Pulaski County (Ark.) Special School District, and then she moved to Magnolia Public Schools as a first grade teacher. She arrived in Texarkana ISD in 1993 to teach sixth grade social studies at Pine Street Middle School, where she remained until 1998 when she became an administrative intern and site administrator for Fifteenth Street Elementary (now Theron Brown Literacy Center) and Dunbar Elementary. She has been with Texas Middle School since 2003. Brown holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in reading from Southern Arkansas University.
Taking on the role of principal of Highland Park Elementary School is Jennifer Cross, who came to the district in 1996 to teach fifth and sixth grades at Westlawn Elementary School. She then served at Highland Park and Dunbar Elementary. She was made an administrative intern in 2009, working at Spring Lake Park Elementary. Cross earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and two master’s degrees — one in curriculum and instruction and one in education administration — from Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
Skye Duckett has been appointed director of human resources and chief people officer. She began with the district in 2003 as an administrative secretary/assistant and advanced to serve as human resources specialist and then coordinator of human resources in 2009. Her bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences is from the Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
Larry Gajewski Jr., is now eighth grade principal at Texas Middle School, coming to Texarkana from Cypress Fairbanks ISD, where he was sixth through eighth grade science curriculum coach since 2009. Gajewski also taught fifth grade social studies and sixth grade science in Huntsville ISD, and seventh and eighth grade math and seventh grade science at Katy Junior High in Katy ISD. In 2007, he accepted the position of disciplinary alternative education principal for Royal Academy in Royal ISD, where he remained until making the move to Cypress-Fairbanks. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Houston.
Monica Novosad has been named instructional technology specialist, serving Nash and Morris elementary schools and the Jones Early Literacy Center. She began her career in the district in 2005 as a special education teacher at Nash Elementary. She then was a fourth grade teacher at that school, before becoming an administrative intern in 2007. She held the same position at Spring Lake Park Elementary from 2007 until accepting her new administrative role. Novosad has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Texas A&M University in Texarkana.
Kathy Owen Bell, who has been with the district for 39 years, has retired from her position as principal of Dunbar Elementary School. She remains on staff part time to work on efforts to further develop and mentor new teachers and principals. She came to Texarkana in 1976 as a kindergarten teacher at Beverly Elementary, remaining there until taking a similar position at Spring Lake Park Kindergarten Center in 1985. Seven years later, she was hired as a counselor at Westlawn Middle School. In 1998, she took on the job of principal at Highland Park Elementary. Bell earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Southern Arkansas University and her master’s degree in early childhood and special education from Texas Tech University.
Rae Ann Patty is now lead coordinator of grades pre-K through fifth, focusing on the area of language arts. Her most recent assignment was principal at Highland Park Elementary. She has been with the district since 1997, beginning as a special education teacher at Kennedy Elementary and then teaching fourth grade at Highland Park Elementary. She left the district to work in Friendswood ISD, but began teaching at Highland Park again in 2003. She next was coordinator of elementary curriculum for school improvement, then eighth grade assistant principal of Texas Middle School, where she remained until taking the job of principal of Highland Park. Patty has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Texas A&M University.
Taking on the role of coordinator/teacher for the gifted and talented program is Susan Pride, who came to the district in 1998 as director of instructional technology. She was appointed to oversee the gifted and talented program from 2002 to 2007 and then library services from 2003 to 2006. She was the district’s coordinator of media/library services and gifted education in 2006, moving to the position of coordinator of media technology and special projects at Texas Middle School in 2007. Pride earned her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Southern Arkansas University and her master’s degree in education from Henderson State University, also in Arkansas.
Chief Operating Officer Ken Reese is also now director of human resources. When he joined the district in 2008, he brought 13 years of experience in corporate operations with Wal-Mart and CP Lotus Super Centers. His bachelor’s degree is from Texas A&M University at Texarkana, and he is at work on his master’s degree in educational administration from the same institution.
Anne Slade began the school year as assistant principal of Spring Lake Park Elementary School. An educator for 15 years, she began her time with the district in 2002 as a special education teacher for the Jones Early Literacy Center and Dunbar Elementary. She became an administrative intern five years later and has worked in that capacity, along with having the responsibility of curriculum coach, at Dunbar Elementary for the past three years. Slade holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in education administration, all from Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
Deputy Superintendent Autumn Thomas has added curriculum, technology and elementary campuses to her responsibilities. She will guide the district in the areas of instruction, professional development, training for special needs students and instruction technology integration. Thomas has been with the district since 1997, when she was hired as a personnel director. From 1998 to 2004, she served as director of human resources. From 2005 until her appointment to deputy superintendent, she was associate superintendent. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master of science degree in business administration from Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
The new assistant superintendent for technology services and Career and Technology Education (CATE) is Ronnie Thompson, who came to Texarkana ISD in 1999 as a marketing education teacher at Texas High School. He was appointed assistant principal of that school in 2002 and was promoted to executive director of school improvement two years later. In 2007, he was named assistant superintendent for school improvement. Thompson has a bachelor of science degree in management and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University at Texarkana. He is working on his doctorate in science and technology education.
George Waddles is now principal of Dunbar Elementary School. Before becoming an educator, he spent 10 years as a corporate trainer for Greyhound Lines Inc. and ExecuTrain Corp. and four years with the University of Illinois at Chicago as assistant director of educational assistance. He came to Texarkana in 2004 as a technology teacher at Texas Middle School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2006-2007 and Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008. In 2007, he took his first administrative position when he was named coordinator of student services for Dunbar; he was an administrative intern in 2008. Waddles holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., a master of theology degree in pastoral ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a master of science degree in education administration from Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
The new assistant principal of Dunbar Elementary School is Kassie Watson, most recently an administrative intern and curriculum coach at Westlawn Elementary. An educator with four years’ experience, she arrived in Texarkana in 2005 to serve as a reading specialist for Westlawn Elementary. In 2007, she began her time as an administrative intern. She has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University at Texarkana.
Tomball High School’s new associate principal is Deanna Beauchamp. She began her education career 15 years ago, working as an assistant administrator for the past seven years. Her bachelor’s degree is from Tarleton State University and her master’s degree in education was earned from Texas Woman’s University.
Also joining the administration of Tomball High School is Karen Chlebo, assistant principal. She began her career as a junior high English teacher in Lamar CISD and has served in the same capacity at Tomball High since 2001. Her bachelor’s degree is from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in education is from Lamar University.
Athletic Director Bob Fontenot has announced his upcoming retirement, effective in December. He began his career in Tomball as a physical education teacher and coach. Over the years, he has held a number of positions, including assistant principal of Tomball Elementary, Beckendorf Intermediate School and Tomball High. Additionally, he was principal of Lakewood, Decker Prairie and Tomball elementary schools before taking on his current position in 2001.
Stepping into the role that will be vacated by Fontenot is Ronny Peacock. He has worked for the University of Houston as well as Spring, Klein, Willis and Cypress-Fairbanks ISDs. He also was athletic director of Conroe ISD since 2007. Both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees are from the University of Houston.
The new director of special services for the district is Heather Pendleton. She has been an elementary teacher in Jacksonville and Rockdale ISDs; she was with Burleson-Milam Special Services in Caldwell for six years, serving as director since 2008. Her bachelor’s degree is from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. Her master’s degree in administration is from Prairie View A&M University.
Elaine Botello is the new director of human services, having held that post in an acting capacity since last spring. She has been an educator for 19 years, 17 of those in human resources. Before taking on her new role, she was Waco ISD’s coordinator of risk management and benefits. Botello earned her associate of applied sciences degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco, and both her bachelor of science degree and her master’s degree in human resources management from Tarleton State University.
The new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction is Jennifer Womack, who comes to Waco ISD from Bastrop ISD, where she served as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. With 19 years’ experience as an educator, she began as a classroom teacher before becoming an administrator. She was named Teacher of the Year in both Martinsville and Bastrop ISDs. Womack has a bachelor of science degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood and a master of science degree from Texas A&M University.
Sandy Camp, former assistant principal of Jefferson Elementary School, is the new principal of Washington/Jackson Elementary. A 22-year employee of the district, she began her career as a substitute teacher, then taught kindergarten and first grade before becoming an assistant principal in 2005. She is past president of the Wichita Falls Area Reading Council and past committee chair for the Texas State Reading Association, as well as having been named TEPSA’s Region 9 Assistant Principal of the Year in 2009.
Jackie Jacobs, a 28-year employee of the district, is the new principal of Burgess Elementary School. Prior to her new assignment, she was assistant principal of Crockett Elementary. She began as a classroom aide in Washington/Jackson Elementary and then served as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary and as an assistant principal at Crockett Elementary. She was TEPSA’s Region 9 Assistant Principal of the Year in 2007.
Larry Menefee is now principal of Kirby Junior High School. He came to his new position from Wichita Falls High School, where he was principal. Menefee, who has been with the district for 35 years, was a teacher at Washington Elementary, Barwise Junior High and Rider High School, as well as a coach at Barwise, Rider and Wichita Falls High School.
Kim Smith, who had been serving as assistant principal of West Foundation Elementary School, is now the principal. She is a 16-year employee of the district, teaching at Burgess Elementary before becoming the school’s assistant principal. She was a basic skills teacher and assistant principal at West Foundation. Smith was TEPSA’s Region 9 Assistant Principal of the Year in 2004.
Associate Superintendent Richard Bentley is leaving El Paso to serve as superintendent of Virginia’s Norfolk Public Schools. He spent six years with Ysleta ISD, beginning as associate superintendent for the division of academics and moving to his most recent position in 2009. Prior to his time in El Paso, he was an administrator in Eanes ISD (Austin), serving as interim assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, director of secondary education, principal, and high school and middle school assistant principal.
Marvyn Luckett, who was with the district for 26 years, has retired. She began as a Spanish teacher in 1974, teaching at Tierra Del Sol and Glen Cove elementary schools and Eastwood High School. She was an assistant principal of North Loop Elementary, before leaving Ysleta ISD for five years to work in another district. Upon returning in 1996, she was named principal of Hacienda Heights Elementary, where she remained until taking on the role of principal of Bel Air High School in 2007. Luckett received her bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and secondary education from Texas Western College and her master’s degree in education from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Nellie Morales, a member of the Ysleta ISD faculty and administration for 41 years, retired at the end of the 2009-2010 school year. She had been principal of Hulbert Elementary School since it opened in 2003. Her career began in 1969 when she taught third grade at North Loop Elementary School. She was assistant principal and then principal of Ascarate Elementary; during her tenure, the school was awarded 1994’s Texas Successful School Award for Outstanding Achievement. Six years later, Morales was named National Distinguished Principal for Texas.
Associate Superintendent Anna Perez retired at the end of the 2009-2010 school year after 41 years as an educator. She began as an instructional aide in Fort Worth ISD and then was a teacher, team leader, project leader, project coordinator, elementary principal and assistant director of elementary schools. Her administrative career began in 1994 with Cobre Consolidated Schools in Bayard, N.M., where she served as assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and, ultimately, as superintendent. She also was superintendent of schools for Carlsbad Municipal Schools. Perez arrived at Ysleta ISD in 2003 as associate superintendent for the division of operations.
Another retiree is Celia Salazar, principal of Ysleta Pre-Kindergarten Center. She was with the district for 45 years, serving as principal of the center since 1985. She came to Ysleta ISD only three years after beginning her career in education career. She taught second and fourth grades at Ysleta Elementary School. She was appointed assistant principal of South Loop Elementary in 1977.