DR. JENNY PRESTON: BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE IN ALLEN ISD

WRITTEN BY DAVID HICKS, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Dr. Jenny Preston’s career in education is a testament to her dedication and impact on the students and communities she served. As a Texas educator with more than 30 years of experience, Preston began her journey as a first-grade teacher in Pine Tree ISD in 1973. Throughout her career, she held various roles including principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately, superintendent of schools, a role she held in both Graham ISD and Allen ISD.

In 2000, Dr. Preston arrived at Allen ISD during a period of rapid growth. Over the six years she served as superintendent, Dr. Preston oversaw the opening of three elementary schools and one middle school.

Despite the challenges of handling this growth, including managing school construction and navigating a financially precarious time for the district, she demonstrated strong leadership. Reflecting on those early days, Preston acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “We were in a tough spot financially, but everyone stayed the course so that we could focus on the students.”

In the early years, her focus remained on creating a stable environment for teachers and students, maintaining the district’s high standards, and promoting a positive school culture to increase teacher retention efforts.

Dr. Preston’s leadership style was rooted in her commitment to the community and her ability to build strong relationships. She often credited the success of the district to the support of those around her, particularly the facilities and finance directors, Bob Curtis and Steve West, whom she frequently praised.

Dr. Preston’s leadership was never about individual accolades but about the collective efforts of those who helped guide the district through both prosperous and challenging times.

Her connection to Allen was immediate. While serving as the Superintendent in Graham, someone notified her that the top job in Allen had opened up. She was happy in Graham and was hesitant to apply, but ultimately decided to visit Allen before coming to a decision. Upon her first visit in 2000, she was struck by the community’s warmth and the sense of belonging.

“The city was growing fast,” she said, “but there was a family feeling that we have heard about many times through the years.” This sentiment resonated throughout her tenure, as she fostered a strong culture of excellence within the district, ensuring that students, staff, and the community all worked together toward the common goal of educational success.

Dr. Preston’s influence extends beyond her time as superintendent. Even after retiring in 2006, she continued to serve as an educational consultant for districts in Texas and Oklahoma, further demonstrating her lifelong dedication to education.

Her legacy in Allen ISD was cemented when the district named its 18th elementary school, Jenny Preston Elementary, in her honor. Despite the immense recognition, Dr. Preston remained humble, stating, “A school is such a bigger thing than one person. It’s not about me, it’s about all of the students.”

Education was always a priority in the Preston family, with both of her parents being heavily involved in the Union Grove school district. This legacy continues with her two sons, Justin and Jon Mark, both serving as elementary principals in Allen ISD, and their wives, Julie and Amber, both working in the district as well. Dr. Preston’s influence, both as an educator and a mother, continues to leave a positive influence on this educational community.

One of Dr. Preston’s most cherished memories from her time as superintendent was her first convocation, which is the annual school year kick-off celebration for teachers and staff. During the event, she introduced a young student on stage to talk about her excitement for the first grade. This simple, heartfelt moment epitomized her belief in the importance of students and teachers and the lifelong joy of learning. That student, Lauren Gaskell, would go on to become an Allen ISD educator herself, further highlighting the deep connections and lasting impact that Dr. Preston fostered within the district.

Dr. Preston’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to education, her leadership during challenging times, and her ability to inspire those around her. As the namesake of Preston Elementary, her influence will continue to shape future generations, reminding everyone that education is, at its core, about the students and their success.