Alpine ISD
Jose Cervantes is the district’s new superintendent. An Alpine native, he began his career as a teacher and coach in Culberson County-Allamore ISD. His most recent position was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction/human resources for Fabens ISD. Cervantes earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University; he is nearing completion of his doctorate from The University of Texas.

Austin ISD
David Kernwein is the interim principal for Eastside Memorial High School through July 2009. He has been with Austin ISD for 27 years, serving as an assistant principal and principal.

Maria Montoya-Hohenstein was named interim associate superintendent for the north elementary schools for this school year. At the end of this assignment, she will return to her most recent position as elementary executive principal. Montoya-Hohenstein earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in San Antonio and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska; her doctorate was awarded from the University of South Dakota.

Claudia Tousek is the district’s interim chief academic officer until June 2009. She will work closely with Superintendent Pat Forgione, who has announced his upcoming retirement, effective June 2009. Tousek holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University and has been presented with numerous awards, including Austin Adopt-A-School’s Principal of the Year, Texas Computer Education Association’s Technology Administrator of the Year, and Austin ISD Teacher of the Year.

Assignments of new principals, and principals new to their campuses, also were announced. They are Floretta Andrews, Norman Elementary; Lisa Bush, Fulmore Middle School; Lucio Calzada, Austin High; Janice Darrington, Lucy Read Pre-K; Elia Diaz-Camarillo, Houston Elementary; Elizabeth Dickey, Rosedale School; Daniel Diehl, Bedichek Middle School; Eleanor Duncan, Lamar Middle School; Susan Galvan, Martin Middle School; Anabel Garza, Reagan High; Winnie Harvin, Winn Elementary; Nancy Hobbs, Bryker Woods Elementary; Helen Johnson, Garcia Middle School; Tonya King (interim), Pillow Elementary; Thelma Longoria, Blackshear Elementary; Patty Martin, Casis Elementary; Elaine McKinney, Pecan Springs Elementary; Freda Mills, Sims Elementary; Raul Moreno, Paredes Middle School; Julie Pryor, Widen Elementary; Lynda Redler, Kealing Middle School; Katherine Ryan (interim), Lanier High; Orlando Salazar, Cook Elementary;  Craig Shapiro, Crockett High School; Susan Stamy, Barrington Elementary; Sharon Stoner, Pleasant Hill Elementary; Amy Taylor, Small Middle School; Randy Thomson, Zilker Elementary; Leticia Vega, International High; Linda Webb, Garza High; and Dovie Wherry-Boykins (interim), Campbell Elementary.

Birdville ISD
Lane Ledbetter is the district’s new director of curriculum and development. A Birdville ISD administrator since 1999, he was most recently principal of Birdville High School. He also has served as principal of North Ridge Middle School and assistant principal of Haltom High and North Richland Middle School. Additionally, he held the post of the district’s administrator for virtual education. Ledbetter’s bachelor’s degree was awarded from Baylor University, and his master’s degree is from the University of North Texas. His doctorate is also from Baylor.

Burnet CISD
The new director of personnel and special education is Jeff Conovan, most recently the district’s special education director. Prior to that role, he taught at Burnet High School. His bachelor of arts degree in teaching is from Sam Houston State University, and his master’s degree was earned from American Intercontinental University.

Carla Denison will lead Bertram Elementary School as principal. For the past two years she has served as the administrative assistant and counselor for the school. She earned her bachelor of science degree in education from Texas State University and her master of education degree from Dallas Baptist University.

Jeanne Jackson was named assistant principal of R.J. Richey, a campus that houses fourth and fifth grade students. Her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies was earned from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas Tech University.

The new principal of Shady Grove Elementary School is Karen Matt. Most recently, she was a principal in the Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Education Program. Her bachelor’s degree in English was awarded from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and her master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria.

Jo McDonald will lead Burnet Elementary School as its principal. For the past 20 years she has been with Spring ISD, where she was most recently principal of Bammel Elementary School. Prior to that assignment, she was with New Caney and Willis ISDs. Both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned from Sam Houston State University.

Shelley Reavis is the district’s new curriculum coordinator. For the past seven years, she has served as principal of Bertram Elementary School. Both her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master of education degree in mid-management were awarded from Tarleton State University.

The new assistant principal of Bertram Elementary School is Jennifer K. Simpson, who has been the educational diagnostician for that school and for R.J. Richey Elementary School. Her bachelor’s degree in elementary education was earned from Howard Payne University. She holds a master’s degree in special education and educational diagnostician certification from Texas Tech University.

Terra Singletary is the new bilingual/ESL and early childhood coordinator. She served as Burnet Elementary School’s principal for the 2007-08 school year. Her bachelor of arts degree was earned from the University of Memphis in Tennessee, and her master of education degree is from Texas Woman’s University; she is pursuing her doctorate degree at Texas Tech University.

Canyon ISD
Canyon High School will have Tim Gilliland as its new principal. He returns to Canyon ISD, where he previously served as a social studies teacher and girls’ athletics coach, after beginning his career in 1988 in Groom ISD.

Shawn Neeley is the principal of Alternative Programs. He was principal of Canyon High School from 2006 to 2008; prior to that time, he was principal of Amarillo ISD’s North Heights Alternative School.

Gene Howe Elementary School has Yolanda Thurman as its new principal. A classroom teacher for seven years in Amarillo ISD, she also has served as assistant principal and associate principal of Canyon High School, and as assistant principal of Greenways Intermediate School.

Trudie Jackson, who retired this summer from a 30-year career in education, has been called out of retirement to serve at Carroll High School. She agreed to take the position of interim principal until a replacement can be named for Rick Westfall, former principal of Carroll High.

Two principals have been appointed to the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Mary Johnson, principal of Old Union Elementary School, was named chair of the membership, marketing and public relations committee; Mark Terry, principal of Eubanks Intermediate School, will continue as the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) middle level representative to TEPSA.

Coppell ISD
The new principal of Pinkerton Elementary School is Kristi Mikkelsen, former principal of Lee Elementary. Her career began in 1991 as a kindergarten teacher. She has been with Coppell ISD since 1998, serving as assistant principal of Valley Ranch, Cottonwood Creek and Denton Creek elementary schools. She received both her bachelor of science degree in elementary education and her master of education degree from the University of North Texas.

Joy Smartt is the district’s new director of K-8 mathematics. A 30-year veteran of education, she has been a teacher, elementary consultant and instructional specialist. Her bachelor’s degree in elementary education was awarded from Baylor University, her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Texas, and her mid-management certification from Texas A&M University – Commerce.

Corpus Christi ISD
Sandra Clement, most recently principal of Mary Grett School, is principal of South Park Middle School. An administrator in Corpus Christi ISD since 2004, Clement also has worked in Calallen and Robstown school districts.

Cecilia Reynolds-Perez, an employee of Corpus Christi ISD for 20 years, has been named principal of W.B. Ray High School. She most recently served as principal of Martin Middle School, where, under her leadership, the school achieved TEA recognized status for the first time.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Marie Keith has been named director of college and career readiness. An educator with 29 years of experience, she was formerly the coordinator of the district’s secondary programs and services. She has a bachelor of science degree in history and a master’s degree in counseling from Southwest Texas State University and a doctorate of education from Texas A&M University. She holds certification in secondary business administration, secondary history, counseling and mid-management administration.

Hays CISD
The district’s new elementary science coordinator is Lisa Baum, a science teacher at Tom Green Elementary School since 2006. She is working on completing her doctorate at Walden University.

Teri Eubank is academic dean of Hays High School. She has held this position at Manor High School since 2005. Her master’s degree is from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Kathy Faulks is the new assistant principal of Elm Grove Elementary School. She has held positions at Buda Elementary School and Elm Grove. Her master’s degree is from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.

The district’s new director of professional development is Laura Sanchez Fowler. She holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas and was most recently a program analyst with Austin ISD.

The new assistant principal of Hays High School is Robert Hensarling. He has been assistant principal of Seguin High School since 2005 and earned a master’s degree from Concordia University.

Another new assistant principal is Kevin Malandruccolo at Wallace Middle School. He has been with Wallace since 2005, serving as science department chair and athletic coordinator. He is completing his master’s degree at Texas State University.

High Island ISD
The new superintendent is Paula Quick, formerly assistant superintendent of Burkeville ISD. An educator for 29 years, she was awarded both her bachelor of science degree and her master of education degree from Lamar University; she also holds mid-management and superintendent certifications. Quick formerly was a teacher in Lumberton and Buna ISDs and at the International School in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. She has been with Burkeville ISD for the past 10 years in various administrative posts, including superintendent.

Houston ISD
Taking the helm as principal of DeBakey High School for Health Professions is Linda Lazenby, who has been with Houston ISD for 34 years. She earned her master’s degree in education from Rice University. Most recently, she has served as principal of the Rice School/La Escuela Rice for four years.

Irving ISD
Robert Abel is principal of Houston Middle School. He has served as a vice principal in Irving ISD. In DeSoto ISD, he was first a chemistry and pre-AP physics teacher at DeSoto High School, before becoming assistant principal of that school.

Jacquelyn Gorena is the new principal of Stipes Elementary School. Previously the principal of Brown Elementary, she came to Irving ISD in 2001 as vice principal of Keyes Elementary. Before her move to Irving, she was a teacher and principal with Pauls Valley School in Oklahoma.

Brown Elementary School’s new principal is Adam Grinage. Other assignments with Irving ISD include teaching at Houston Middle School and serving as assistant principal of Britain Elementary and Austin Middle School. Most recently, he was with Arlington ISD, where he was principal of Webb Elementary.

Lisa Molinar is principal of Thomas Haley Elementary School. She previously was vice principal of Farine Elementary, an instructional specialist and a fourth grade teacher. She has also worked in Dallas ISD.

Rick Nolly takes the reins as principal of Nimitz High School. He is a 24-year veteran of public education, with 10 of those years at Irving ISD. He came to Irving ISD’s MacArthur High School as a history teacher and coach, and then he moved to Irving High School in 2002 to be the vice principal. His most recent assignment was principal of Houston Middle School, where he had served since 2004.

Keller ISD
Rick Westfall is Keller High School’s new principal. A member of Carroll ISD’s administration since 1999, he served  as assistant principal of Carroll Middle School and Carroll Junior High. Since 2004, he has been principal of Carroll High School. Prior to joining Carroll ISD, he taught for seven years in Fort Worth ISD. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Miami University and a master of education degree from Texas Christian University.

McAllen ISD
Longtime administrator Yolanda Chapa is retiring as superintendent. She has agreed to remain in her position, which she has held since 2003, until the end of this year. During her tenure, Chapa oversaw the implementation of the Newcomers Academy; the McAllen College and Career Transition Initiative; the opening of the Achieve Early College High School; and the expansion of the international baccalaureate program to include the primary and middle years programs. Serving the district 25 years, Chapa also has been a teacher, principal, administrator, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent.

Mexia ISD
Mexia High School’s new principal is Hugh Ellis. For the past year, he has served as superintendent of Bremond ISD, and from 2004 to 2006 he served in that capacity for Dawson ISD. Ellis holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, and two master’s degrees in educational administration — one from Stephen F. Austin State University and one from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Richardson ISD
There are 46 assignments of administrators new to their campuses for the 2008-09 school year. They are: Pam Aitken, principal, Forest Lane Academy; Ron Anthony, administrative intern, Liberty Junior High; Philip Bates, principal, Skyview Elementary; Karen Black, assistant principal, Berkner High School; Lorine Burrell, principal, Christa McAuliffe Learning Center; Carmen Casamayor Ryan, principal, Mark Twain Elementary; Kelly Colburn, principal, Spring Valley Elementary; Michelle Coleman, administrative intern, Richardson High School; Stanley Crawford, principal, Yale Elementary; Glenda Criss, assistant principal, Christa McAuliffe Learning Center; Josh Eason, assistant principal, Richardson High School; Von Ensley, assistant principal, Stults Road Elementary; Debbie Evans, principal, Wallace Elementary; Nicole Farrar Myers, principal, Jess Harben Elementary; Tonja Frazier, assistant principal, Audelia Creek Elementary; William Gallo, principal, Lake Highlands Freshman Center; Talandra Griffen, assistant principal, Lake Highlands Junior High; Hugo Guerra, assistant principal, Richardson Heights Elementary; Henry Hall, principal, West Junior High; Kirstyn Hart, assistant principal, Dobie Primary; Carol Johnson, principal, RISD Academy; Ericka Jones, assistant principal, White Rock Elementary; Sue Kalny, assistant principal, Richardson High School; Walter Kelly, principal, Lake Highlands High School; Larry Labue, principal, Richardson Heights Elementary; Staci Low, principal, Bowie Elementary; Suzanne Mann, assistant principal, Northlake Elementary; Jennifer Martin, principal, Spring Creek Elementary; Lanette Massey, assistant principal, RISD Academy; Michael McDonald, assistant principal, Pearce High School; Tara McLennan, assistant principal, Liberty Junior High; Kellee Murrell, assistant principal, North Junior High; Olivia Salinas, administrative intern, Forest Lane Academy; Melinda Schwartz, assistant principal, Bukhair Elementary; Masud Shamsid-Deen, assistant principal, Berkner High School; Laurie Taylor, assistant principal, Forest Lane Academy; Megan Timme, principal, Hamilton Park Pacesetter; Katerina Titze, assistant principal, Westwood Junior High; Angela Vaughan, principal, M/S/T Magnet; Kimberly Wainwright, assistant principal, Aikin Elementary; Jerry Walker, assistant principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary; Deanna Williamson, assistant principal, Parkhill Junior High; Jennifer Wilson, assistant principal, Forestridge Elementary; Russell Wooten, assistant principal, M/S/T Magnet; Tracee Wysinger, assistant principal, Lake Highlands Freshman Center; and Michelle Zupa, principal, Greenwood Hills Elementary.

Round Rock ISD
Patricia Ephlin is principal of Robertson Elementary School. An educator for 11 years, both her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in educational administration are from Texas State University. She has served as Robertson Elementary’s summer school principal for two years and was most recently assistant principal of Wells Branch Elementary School.

Meredith Perkins is principal of Deep Wood Elementary School. She has 20 years’ experience as an educator, serving as principal, assistant principal and teacher at all levels, including special education. She was most recently principal of Frazier Elementary School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University and her master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston.

San Marcos CISD
Travis Elementary School is in a new building with new administrators as well.

Principal Niki Konecki has been with San Marcos CISD since 2005 as the district’s coordinator of bilingual/ESL programs and innovative projects. Her bachelor of science degree  in interdisciplinary studies/elementary education is from Stephen F. Austin State University and her master of education degree in administration and supervision, with principal certification, is from the University of Houston.

Assistant Principal Brooke Neal has been with the district since 2006 as a fourth grade teacher at DeZavala Elementary. She also has been a teacher with Columbus and Navarro ISDs. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas State University, with specializations in math, music and educational administration. Her certifications include elementary self-contained, elementary mathematics, elementary music, and English as second language supplemental; she recently passed her exam for principal certification.

Socorro ISD
Chelaine Marion has been named District 19 president of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. She has been with Socorro ISD for 10 years, the past five of those as assistant principal of Robert R. Rojas Elementary School. Marion is also an instructor in the College of Education at The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College. She was recognized last year by TEPSA as Region XIX Assistant Principal of the Year.

Thrall ISD
The new superintendent is Bruce Davis. With 31 years in education, he has served as superintendent of D’Hanis ISD and administrative positions in Ector County, Brownwood, Giddings, San Angelo, Alice and Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISDs.

Whitney ISD
Gene Solis is the new superintendent. A 20-year educator, his career began as a teacher and coach at Caprock High School in Amarillo ISD. He previously was a high school principal and superintendent of Thorndale ISD. Solis earned his bachelor of science degree from West Texas State University and his master of education degree from West Texas A&M University. His superintendent’s certification is from Southwest Texas State University, and he is nearing completion of his doctorate in education from The University of Texas.

Ysleta ISD
Javier Suffle, most recently assistant principal of Parkland High School, is principal of Rio Bravo Middle School. He has been with Ysleta ISD since 1985, beginning as a physical education teacher at LeBarron Elementary School. He has a bachelor of science degree in education from The University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in administration from Sul Ross State University.

Marlo L. Tena has been named volunteer specialist for the Public Relations Department. She previously served as a Code Blue program coordinator with the El Paso Police Department and is a certified instructor with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. She holds a bachelor of science degree in human services and a master’s degree in business administration.