Calendar

Calendar

AUGUST

August 2 Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented New Coordinator Boot Camp Online event For more info, (512) 499-8248. www.txgifted.org Cost: Members, $120; nonmembers, $220.

August 3 Learning Forward Texas Workshop: Cultivating Leadership Virtual event For more info, (512) 266-3086. www.learningforwardtexas.org

August 4 Learning Forward Texas Workshop: Cultivating Leadership Virtual event For more info, (512) 266-3086. www.learningforwardtexas.org

TASB Workshop: Supervisor’s Guide to Managing Employees Webinar For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (512) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $75.

August 4-5 TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 1 of 4) Marriott North, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: For all four sessions: Members, $845; nonmembers, $945. Any one session: $295.

August 5 Learning Forward Texas Workshop: Cultivating Leadership Virtual event For more info, (512) 266-3086. www.learningforwardtexas.org

August 10 TASB Workshop: Preparing to Serve Webinar For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (512) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Professional development & events

August 11 TASPA Workshop: Documentation Basics Gainesville ISD, Gainesville For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

SEPTEMBER

September 8 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Houston Area Cohort (session 1 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

September 8-9 TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 2 of 4) Marriott North, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: For all four sessions: Members, $845; nonmembers, $945. Any one session: $295.

September 12-14 TACS State Conference Kalahari Resort, Round Rock For more info, (512) 440-8227. www.tacsnet.org Cost: Until August 15: Members and corporate partners, $425; nonmembers, $525. After August 15: Members and corporate partners, $450; nonmembers, $550.

September 14 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin/SA Area Cohort (session 1 of 6) Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas Area Cohort (session 1 of 6) McKinney ISD, McKinney For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Lubbock/Abilene Cohort (session 1 of 6) Abilene ISD, Abilene For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA 2021 Texas Executive Leadership Group I Meeting Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Registration closed for this cohort.

September 14-15 Texas ASCD Literacy Academy: Developing a School-Wide Literacy Plan Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

September 15 ED311 Back to School Workshop with Jim Walsh ESC Region 7, Kilgore or online, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: With digital handouts only, $175; with printed workbook, $200.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Virtual Cohort (session 1 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $800 for all six sessions.

TASPA Workshop: Documentation Basics Lubbock ISD, Lubbock For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

September 16 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Victoria/CC Cohort (session 1 of 6) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. September 16-17 Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy XXXIII Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

September 19-20 TASSP Fundamental 5 National Summit Palacio del Rio Hotel, San Antonio For more info, (512) 443-2100. www.tassp.org

September 21 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, RGV Cohort (session 1 of 6) Weslaco ISD, Weslaco For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA 2021 Texas Executive Leadership Group II Meeting Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Registration closed for this cohort.

September 22-23 TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 1 of 4) Hilton Garden Inn, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $4,000 for all four sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 1 of 6) Hilton Garden Inn, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions.

Texas ASCD Institute: Teaching for Deeper Learning Online event For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

September 24-26 TASA/TASB Convention: TxEDCON Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasa.tasb.org

September 27 ED311 Back to School Workshop with Jim Walsh Expo Center, Arlington or online, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: With digital handouts only, $175; with printed workbook, $200.

OCTOBER

October 4-5 TASPA Fall Support Staff Conference Kalahari Resort, Round Rock For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org

October 5 ED311 Back to School Workshop with Jim Walsh Civic/Convention Center, New Braunfels or online, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: With digital handouts only, $175; with printed workbook, $200.

October 5-7 TASA/CMSi CMAT Level 1 TASA Headquarters, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $750; nonmembers, $850.

October 11-12 TEPSA Assistant Principals Conference Omni Southpark, Austin For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org

October 12 ED311 Back to School Workshop with Jim Walsh ESC Region 17, Lubbock or online, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 478-2113. www.ed311.com Cost: With digital handouts only, $175; with printed workbook, $200.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Lubbock/Abilene Cohort (session 2 of 6) Abilene ISD, Abilene For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. October 12-14 TASA/CMSi CMAT Level 1 Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $750; nonmembers, $850.

October 13 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Austin/SA Cohort (session 2 of 6) Northside ISD, San Antonio For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Virtual Cohort (session 2 of 6) Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $800 for all six sessions.

October 13-14 Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy (session 1 of 3) Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Bedford For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

October 19 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Dallas Area Cohort (session 2 of 6) McKinney ISD, McKinney For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, RGV Cohort (session 2 of 6) Weslaco ISD, Weslaco For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

TASA 2021 Texas Executive Leadership Group I Meeting Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Registration closed for this cohort. October 19-21 TASA/CMSi CMAT Level 2 TASA Headquarters, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $750; nonmembers, $850.

TASA Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (session 1 of 4) Location TBA For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $695 for all four sessions; up to three additional participants, $595 each.

October 20 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Houston Area Cohort (session 2 of 6) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

October 20-22 TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

October 21 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Victoria/CC Cohort (session 2 of 6) Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions.

October 24-26 Texas ASCD Annual Conference Kalahari Resort, Round Rock For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

October 26 TASA 2021 Texas Executive Leadership Group II Meeting Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Registration closed for this cohort. October 26-27 TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 2 of 6) Hilton Park Cities, Dallas For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions.

October 26-28 TASA/CMSi CMAT Level 2 Virtual event For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $750; nonmembers, $850.

NOVEMBER

November 1-2 TASB HR Academy Marriott North, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org Cost: $385.

November 1-3 Texas Assessment Conference Kalahari Resort, Round Rock For more info, (512) 477-6361. txassessmentcon.org Registration opens August 27.

November 3-4 TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy (session 3 of 4) Marriott North, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $845; nonmembers, $945; any single session, $295.

November 3-5 TCA Annual Professional Growth Conference Galveston Island Convention Center, Galveston or virtual event, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 472-3403. www.txca.org

November 5 TASB Fall Legal Seminar TASB offices, Austin For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

November 7-8 TEPSA Grow Leadership Conference Hilton Hotel, Rockwall For more info, (512) 478-5268 or (800) 252-3621. www.tepsa.org Cost: $379.

November 8-9 TASA/CMSi CMSi Curriculum Management Planning Workshop TASA Headquarters, Austin For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $450; nonmembers, $500.

TASB Advanced HR Seminar Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

November 9 TASA/N2 Learning Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, RGV Cohort (session 3 of 6) Weslaco ISD, Weslaco For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $1,000 for all six sessions. TASB Fall Legal Seminar Location TBA, Midland For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

November 9-10 TASBO SYNERGY Conference Courtyard by Marriott, Pflugerville or access remotely, at attendee’s option For more info, (512) 462-1711. www.tasbo.org Cost: $305.

November 10-12 TASA/CMSi Curriculum Writing Workshop TASA Headquarters For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: Members, $450; nonmembers, $500.

November 12 TASB Fall Legal Seminar Virtual event For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org November 16 TASB Fall Legal Seminar Location TBA, Kilgore For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org

November 17-18 Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy (session 2 of 3) Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Bedford For more info, (512) 477-8200 or (800) 717-2723. www.txascd.org

TASPA HR Series: Legal Issues Related to Remote Instruction Webinar For more info, (512) 494-9353. www.taspa.org Cost: TASPA members, no charge. All others, $25.

November 20 TASB Fall Legal Seminar Location TBA, South Padre Island For more info, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272. www.tasb.org November 30-December 1 TASA/N2 Learning Executive Leadership Institute (session 2 of 4) Hilton Post Oak, Houston For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $4,000 for all four sessions.

TASA/N2 Learning Principals’ Institute (session 3 of 6) Hilton Post Oak, Houston For more info, (512) 477-6361. www.tasanet.org Cost: $6,000 for all six sessions.◄

Who’s News

> Continued from page 17

Kerrville ISD

Tivy High School’s new head boys’ basketball coach is Joseph Davis, who has spent the past 11 years with the district as an assistant coach and teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Schreiner University.

Kilgore ISD

Former head football coach and athletic director Mike Wood has accepted the role of Kilgore ISD director of athletics and athletic facilities. He has coached at Kilgore High School for 25 years, the past 11 in his most recent position.

Killeen ISD

Nine new principal assignments have been made for the district. They are: • Jessica Brading, Clear Creek Elementary

School; • Paige Gawryszewski, Carney Elementary

School; • Jessica Napolez, Cedar Valley Elementary

School; • Yanitzie Oquendo, Cavazos Elementary

School; • LaBecca Thompson, Mountain View

Elementary School; • Kara Trevino, Killeen High School; • Micah Wells, Shoemaker High School; • Becky Whitelow, Brookhaven Elementary

School; • Latisha Williams, Shoemaker High

School.

La Porte ISD

Now serving as principal of Bayshore Elementary School is Lisa Basile, receiving a promotion from assistant principal of Reid Elementary. An employee of the district for 24 years, she is a graduate of Lock Haven University and holds a master’s degree in educational management from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Previously assistant principal of Rizzuto Elementary School, Jose Lozano is now campus principal. He has spent his 14-year career in the district and was, in addition to his most recent assignment, a teacher and grade level chairperson. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. Jackson Tarr, former defensive coordinator for Crosby ISD, is now La Porte ISD’s head football coach. An educator and coach for 20 years, he previously worked in Fort Bend ISD and at Parkville High School in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a graduate of Towson State University with a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from Shippensburg University.

Los Fresnos CISD

Los Fresnos CISD school board trustee Jesus Amaya has been selected to represent ESC Region 1 on the board of directors of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). He has chaired the Los Fresnos board on three occasions. Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar is now president-elect of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). He has led Los Fresnos CISD since 2006 and has been active in TASA for 15 years, representing ESC Region 1 on the

Executive and Legislative committees. He was also a member of its first Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network cohort.

Lake Travis ISD

Former safety and security coordinator Andy Michael is now director of security and chief of the district’s newly created police department. He spent 22 years with the Austin Police Department and holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Mountain State University.

Lamar CISD

The district’s newly created director of leadership development position has been filled by Henva Medlow, who joined Lamar CISD in 2013 and has served as principal of Williams and Carter elementary schools. She is a graduate of the University of Houston and received her master’s degree from the University of Houston at Victoria. The district’s new superintendent is Roosevelt Nivens. Most recently superintendent of Community ISD, he began his career in Dallas ISD, going on to serve as assistant superintendent of Lancaster ISD. The 24year educator received his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Lancaster ISD

Lancaster ISD’s new superintendent, Katrise Perera, comes to Lancaster from Oregon’s Gresham-Barlow School District, where she was superintendent of schools. She previously was a teacher and administrator in Virginia and an area superintendent in Houston ISD.

Leander ISD

Leander ISD’s newest area superintendent, Heather Sánchez, comes to her new position from the Bellevue School District near Seattle, where she was an executive director. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western New Mexico University and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado. Liberty Hill High School has welcomed a new band director. Shawn Murphy, who held the same position at Burleson ISD’s Centennial High since 2015, previously worked in Azle ISD. He is a graduate of North Texas University.

Lone Oak ISD

Former Lone Oak ISD high school principal Janeé Carter now serves as superintendent. A graduate of that school, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She previously coached and taught in Garland ISD and was a curriculum and instruction specialist and assistant principal for the district.

Lubbock ISD

Four new principal assignments have been announced for Lubbock ISD. They are: • Amanda Boland, Parsons Elementary

School; • Koty Gonzalez, Rush Elementary School; • Leticia Gutierrez, Bean Elementary

School; • Yvonne Valdez, Brown Elementary

School.

McKinney ISD

One of the new assistant principals of Boyd High School is Colin Bado, an eightyear educator who began his career in the district in 2013. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Jennifer Dixon, a newly named assistant principal of Boyd High School, is a longtime educator who has been a science instructional coach at the school for the past two years. She began her career in South Dakota before joining MISD in 2004. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Centenary College and her master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. Cockrill Middle School’s new assistant principal is Heather Wainscott, who comes to McKinney ISD from Prosper ISD, where she spent the past four years as an English language arts and reading teacher. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal in Frenship ISD. Her bachelor’s degree was awarded from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

Marshall ISD

Marshall High School alumna Richele Langley has returned to her hometown to serve as district superintendent, only the second woman to do so. She has spent the past six years as deputy executive director of ESC Region 8. She has been an educator for 31 years, 22 of those with Marshall ISD.

Mesquite ISD

Leslie Feinglas, who has spent the past 19 years with Mesquite ISD, is now the district’s assistant superintendent of leadership and strategic initiatives. She served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal before assuming her most recent role as executive director of leadership development. New assistant superintendent of teaching and learning Jennifer Hammett has spent all of her 20-year career in the district. After teaching and working as an assistant principal and principal, she was named executive director of leadership development.

Now serving as the district’s chief technology officer is Cara Jackson, who has been executive director of instructional technology since 2014. She previously worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Mike Jasso has accepted the position of assistant superintendent of administrative services. He comes to Mesquite from Richardson ISD, where he was executive director of the Berkner Learning Community. In addition, he has been an assistant principal and principal in Haltom, Watauga and Coppell ISDs.

Laura Jobe, newly appointed chief information officer, has been with the district since 1997, beginning as communications coordinator. She served as executive director of communications since 2005.

> Continued from page 27

The district’s new at-risk coordinator is Keich Willis, a 20-year educator who worked in Dallas ISD as a teacher, testing coordinator and counselor before joining Mesquite ISD in 2019 as a counselor at Hanby Elementary. Mesquite ISD has five new executive directors of leadership development. They are: • Charlene Goss; • Kristi Gregory; • Jennifer LaPlante; • Bruce Perkins; • Gerald Sarpy. Additionally, six new principal assignments have been announced. They and their schools are: • Stacy Bennett, Smith Elementary School; • Deeadra Brown, Horn High School; • Robin Cathcart, Achziger Elementary

School; • LeeAnn Englert, Porter Elementary

School; • Abram Joseph, Mesquite High School; • Keshia LaVergne, Gray Elementary

School.

Mexia ISD

Ryder Appleton, who previously led Veribest ISD, is now Mexia ISD’s superintendent.

Midlothian ISD

JoAnn Fey, a 25-year educator and former assistant superintendent of Southwest ISD, is now superintendent of Midlothian ISD. She holds two master’s degrees, in administration from Central Michigan University and in instructional technology, curriculum and instruction from Houston Baptist. Her doctorate was awarded from Lamar University.

Millsap ISD

Millsap ISD’s new superintendent is Edie Martin, who was the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University and holds a master’s degree in educational administration. She has been a math teacher and coach, and most recently Monte Alto ISD

The district’s new superintendent, Isaac Rodriguez, comes to Monte Alto from La Feria ISD, where he was executive director of curriculum and instruction. In addition, he has served in Harlingen and San Benito ISDs as a teacher and campus and central office administrator. He holds master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Pan-American and a doctorate from Texas A&M University.

Montgomery ISD

Amanda Davis-Summerville, director of technology and digital learning, brings 12 years of experience to her new assignment after serving as an educational technologist and systems administrator for Houston ISD. The Tarleton State University graduate holds a master’s degree in educational technology from Texas A&M University.

The newly appointed assistant superintendent of elementary education, Carrie Fitzpatrick, is a 23-year educator who was previously principal of Montgomery Elementary School. Before joining MISD, she was a principal in Conroe ISD. Her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education administration were awarded from Sam Houston State University. Denise Miner has accepted the position of executive director of human capital, coming to her new role from CypressFairbanks ISD, where she was assistant director of human resources. She has a bachelor’s degree from Prescott College and a master’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. The district’s new 504 and dyslexia services coordinator is Alayna Siemonsma. Previously an educator in Wyoming, Arizona and South Dakota, she comes to MISD from Conroe ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University. Now serving as MISD’s director of career and technical education (CTE) is Amy Vance, who comes to the district from Waxahachie ISD, where she spent the past four years as CTE program access coordinator. Now a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University, she holds a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Moran ISD

John Denson has accepted the position of district superintendent.

New Braunfels ISD

Now serving as superintendent is Cade Smith, who comes to New Braunfels from Brock ISD, which he led since 2018. Prior to that, he worked in Georgetown ISD as executive director of campus operations and leadership and as a teacher, coach and administrator in Frisco, Lockhart, Allen and Kaufman ISDs. He is a graduate of Texas State University with a master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University and a doctorate in school improvement from Texas State.

New Caney ISD

Porter High School’s head football coach, Jim Holley, has been promoted to district athletic director. Prior to his five seasons at Porter, he was campus coordinator and football coach at Kingwood Park High in Humble ISD.

North Hopkins ISD

Brian Lowe has accepted the position of district superintendent. An educator for over two decades, he was most recently principal of North Hopkins Secondary School and previously worked in Sonora, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Waskom and Marshall ISDs. He is a graduate of Angelo State University with a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler.

North Lamar ISD

The North Lamar ISD board of trustees announces Jay Cline as athletic director. He comes to his new position from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where he was athletic coordinator at Creekview High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. Brenton Whitaker, newly appointed head football coach, has arrived from Pittsburg ISD’s Pittsburg High School, where he was

offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Now entering his 10th coaching season, he holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Concordia University.

Pflugerville ISD

Former Dessau Elementary teacher Teyan Allen has returned to that campus to serve as principal. Since leaving Dessau, she has worked as assistant principal and then principal of Spicewood Elementary in Round Rock ISD. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas State University. Now leading Windermere Elementary School is Trenae Hill. She previously worked in Fort Bend ISD and was most recently principal of Pecan Grove Elementary in Richmond ISD. Zack Kleypas has been approved as principal of Pflugerville High School. He most recently held the top position at Park Crest Middle School and prior to that was an assistant principal at Hendrickson High. The district has announced Daniel Walch as its new director of transportation. He previously was director of transportation with the advisory firm TransPar, assisting Pflugerville ISD in developing its transportation training and operations manual.

Plano ISD

Two new principal assignments have been announced. They are: • Jeffrey Banner, Plano Senior High

School; • Todd Williams, McMillen High School.

Pleasant Grove ISD

Carla Dupree has been approved as assistant superintendent, coming to her new job from Texarkana ISD, where she was principal of Texas High School since 2018. Prior to that, the 26year educator served in Queen City ISD. Now serving as Pleasant Grove ISD director of operations is Matt Fry, who was for the past nine years director of communications for Liberty-Eylau ISD. Before that assignment, he was a middle school and high school teacher and district UIL coordinator.

Ricardo ISD

Gina Garza, former director of curriculum and instruction for Jim Hogg County ISD, is now superintendent of Ricardo ISD. Trey Bryant has been named head football coach and area coordinator at his alma mater, Berkner High School. A graduate of Baylor University, where he was a four-year letterman, he went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons before returning to the Dallas area to coach in Richardson, Plano and McKinney ISDs.

Round Rock ISD

The newly created position of director of equity and planning has been filled by Brenda Agnew, former principal of Walsh Middle School. With more than 30 years of experience as an educator, she was a principal in Hays CISD and an administrator at Round Rock ISD’s McNeil High School and Canyon Vista Middle School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree and doctorate in school improvement from Texas State University.

San Angelo ISD

Steven Pinchback has accepted the role of head girls’ basketball coach and assistant athletic coordinator at Lake View High School, his alma mater. He returns to San Angelo from San Marcos CISD, where he was head boys’ basketball coach. He previously coached in Hays CISD and DeSoto ISDs. The new head girls’ basketball coach at Central High School is Jordan Sarten, who previously held the same position in Bridgeport ISD. In addition, she worked in Frisco and Lubbock ISDs.

Santa Fe ISD

The Santa Fe ISD board of trustees has named Kevin Bott superintendent. He comes to SFISD from Lampasas ISD, where he was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. An educator for 20 years, he worked as a middle school English teacher and coach before transitioning to administration. His bachelor’s degree was received from Baylor University, where he also completed his doctorate in education. He holds a master’s degree from Tarleton State University.

Sherman ISD

coach at Sherman High School. A coach for 20 years, he most recently was assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and athleticacademic advisor at Allen ISD’s Allen High School. In addition, he coached in Red Oak, Kaufman and Wichita Falls ISDs.

Silsbee ISD

Silsbee ISD has created its first police department and hired Kenny Davenport, a former Silsbee police officer and Hardin County sheriff’s deputy, to serve as chief. He also previously served as Silsbee ISD’s security and truancy officer and spent the past five years as a criminal justice teacher.

Sonora ISD

Michael Kissire has been promoted from principal of Sonora Elementary School to district superintendent.

Spring Hill ISD

After serving on an interim basis, Penny Fleet has officially been named district superintendent. She previously was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and also worked as a teacher, coach and administrator in Hallsville and Pine Tree ISDs. She is a graduate of Centenary College with a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Taft ISD

Irene Garza, former professor in Stephen F. Austin State University’s principal and superintendent certification program, has been named superintendent of Taft ISD.

Terrell ISD

A new athletic director is in place for Terrell ISD. Marvin Sedberry, who will also continue to serve as head football coach for Terrell High School, began his coaching career 21 years ago and has spent 12 years as a head football coach. Prior to joining Terrell ISD, he worked in Garland ISD.

Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)

Art Cavazos, who recently retired as superintendent of Harlingen CISD, is now an executive superintendent with TASA. He has served a five-year term on the State Board for Education Certification and was also appointed to

> Continued from page 29

the legislative council of the University Interscholastic League. Thomas Randle, former superintendent of Lamar CISD, has joined TASA as an executive superintendent. He served as TASA president in 2007-08 and was ESC Region 4 Superintendent of the Year in both 2001 and 2017. Jill Siler, Gunter ISD superintendent, will be TASA's deputy executive director of professional learning starting September 1. She is currently chair of TASA’s Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network design team and lead facilitator for TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy.

Tyler ISD

The Tyler ISD board of trustees has approved LaRena Brooks as principal of Peete Elementary School, promoting her from assistant principal. She began her career in 2007 as a kindergarten teacher at Griffin Elementary, going on to serve as a media technology specialist and assistant principal of Orr Elementary.

The district has added a new position, hiring Cassandra Chapa as its first innovation officer. She joined TISD in 2016 as an instructional specialist, going on to lead Ramey and, most recently, Peete elementary schools. The new boys’ basketball coach at Tyler High School is Justin Johnson, who returns to his alma mater after completing his education at Tyler Junior College and the University of Iowa. He played basketball internationally for the NBA Development League. John Smiley is now principal of Rice Elementary School. He joined the district in 2009 as a chemistry teacher at Tyler High, going on to serve as the school’s academic dean and, most recently, dean of instruction. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University.

David Gonzalez has been promoted from associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction to superintendent. He has spent 21 of his 30 years as an educator with United ISD, working as an assistant principal, principal and executive director for middle school instruction. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Texas A&M International University.

Victoria ISD

A new director of transportation has been named for the district. Shanquil Fennell, with more than a decade of experience in transportation operations, most recently was manager of the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission. Tammy Garza, now serving as executive director of elementary student learning, is a 15-year education veteran who was most recently principal of Rowland Elementary School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University.

Rowland Elementary School will welcome Kimberly Martinez as principal this fall. She has been the school’s assistant principal for the past three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria. A new chief financial officer is in place for the district. Randall Meyer joins VISD with nearly three decades of experience, most recently as Bloomington ISD’s assistant superintendent and chief financial officer. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and is nearing completion of a doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Newly appointed executive director of secondary student learning and talent development Jake Salcines has joined the district from Sharyland ISD, where he was executive director of curriculum and instruction. His bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in educational administration were awarded from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.

Sharla Williams has been promoted from assistant principal of Smith Elementary School to principal and director of the district’s Head Start program. The 24-year educator holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston at Victoria.

Walnut Bend ISD

The position of Walnut Bend ISD superintendent has been filled by Ken Kemp. Formerly director of technology, operations and transportation for Collinsville ISD, he also served in Callisburg ISD and as a professor at North Central Texas College.

White Oak ISD

Stephanie Bradley is the new principal of White Oak Primary School. A former teacher, she served as principal on an interim basis since December. The 16year educator previously was an education specialist at ESC Region 7.

Ysleta ISD (El Paso)

Louisa Aguirre-Baeza has been confirmed as associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction after serving in that position on an interim basis. She began her career in El Paso’s Socorro ISD in 1996 as an elementary teacher, going on to work as a grant coordinator, curriculum and development consultant, assistant principal, and college professor. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Former interim associate superintendent of public relations Daniel Martinez now serves in that capacity on a permanent basis. He began his career in 2013 as a journalist and weathercaster and has also served as a graphic artist, producer and communications specialist. He holds an associate’s degree from El Paso Community College and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New Mexico State University. In addition, the following principal assignments have been announced: • Rita Lopez-Rodriguez, Ysleta Pre-K

Center; • Cecilia Perez, Ysleta Elementary School; • Sandra Perez, Parkland Pre-K Center; • Darlene Solis, Ramona Elementary

School. ◄