Who’s News Birdville ISD Stephen Ellis is the new principal of North Ridge Middle School. Principal of Grace E. Hardeman Elementary since 1999, he was previously assistant principal at that school and at the Shannon Learning Center. Additionally, he was lead Stephen Ellis teacher in Birdville ISD’s disciplinary alternative education program for two years and a middle school special education teacher for two years. He was the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association’s Region 11 Elementary Principal of the Year in 2004 and a state finalist that same year. Ellis earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University. Lane Ledbetter is associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Coming to Birdville ISD in 1999, he was most recently director of curriculum and instruction for the district. Prior to that post, he served as principal of Lane Ledbetter Birdville High School and North Ridge Middle School, as assistant principal of Haltom High School and North Richland Middle School, as the district’s administrator for virtual education and as assistant principal of North Richland Middle School. Ledbetter earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his master’s degree from the University of North Texas; his doctorate is from Baylor. Stepping into Ledbetter’s former position is Donna Solley. Principal of Holiday Heights Elementary School since 1990, she also has served as a language arts consultant, administrative intern, and ESL and English teacher. Solley’s Donna Solley bachelor’s degree is from The University of Texas at Arlington and her master’s degree is from the University of North Texas. Brenham ISD Hailing from Hamilton ISD where he was superintendent for six years, Sam Bell is the new superintendent of Brenham ISD. His 26 years in education have been evenly divided between teaching/coaching 24
Texas School Business • July/August 2009
and administrative positions. In Hamilton ISD, he was principal of Hamilton High School for four years. For three years he served as assistant principal of Mineral Wells High School in Mineral Sam Bell Wells ISD. He has served as head basketball coach in Brownwood, West Mesquite and Rice Consolidated high schools. Bell earned a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Brooks County ISD Alberto Byington, an educator with 46 years of experience (33 of those as a superintendent), is the district’s new superintendent — again. He first came to Brooks County ISD in 1961 and remained there until 1996. He served as a teacher, principal, director of federal programs, assistant superintendent and finally superintendent — a position he held for 23 years. He subsequently was superintendent of Mathis and San Diego ISDs and TEA governance monitor with Driscoll ISD. For the past seven years he has been superintendent of Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD. Byington earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas College of Arts and Industries (now Texas A&M University at Kingsville). Clear Creek ISD Twelve administrators have been named for Clear Creek ISD. They are: • Lauren Berryman-Ambeau, assistant principal, Falcon Pass Elementary • Dana Biddy, administrator of early childhood • Gail Boyes, principal, Whitcomb Elementary • Kelly Cook, assistant principal, Wedgewood Elementary • Buffie Johnson, assistant principal, Ward Elementary • Jepsey Kimble, assistant principal, Whitcomb Elementary • Kristi LaMell, principal, Victory Lakes Intermediate School • Destini Martin, assistant principal, Greene Elementary • Deb Reno, principal, Landolt Elementary • Michele Staley, principal, Clear Brook High School • Amber Willemsen, assistant principal, Goforth Elementary
• Mary Beth Wood, assistant principal, Clear Lake Elementary Clint ISD The district’s new superintendent is Edward Gabaldon. An educator for 31 years, he was formerly chief of staff for El Paso ISD. He began his career as a middle school science teacher in Ysleta ISD. He served as assistant principal in both Edward Gabaldon Ysleta and Socorro ISDs. At Socorro ISD, Gabaldon held directorships in human resources and instructional services. In 2003, he became the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. He also served as the district’s assistant superintendent for priority schools. Gabaldon earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from The University of Texas at El Paso. Comanche ISD The district’s new superintendent is Tony Daniel. He comes from Hamlin ISD, where he also served as superintendent. He replaces Rick Howard, who retired this summer with 31 years in education, 18 of those as a superintendent. He was superintendent at Comanche ISD for nine years. Crosbyton CISD Bobby Fryar is the new superintendent. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Brady ISD and also held those positions in Jacksboro ISD. Additionally, he was with Sweetwater ISD as a middle school and high school assistant principal, and he served as Robert Lee ISD’s secondary principal. Most recently the high school principal for Early ISD, Fryar also has been an elementary principal, high school dean of students and assistant principal for that district. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Cheryl Johns has been tapped to lead Langham Creek High School as its principal. She is an educator with 26 years of experience, beginning her career at Klein High School in Klein ISD before joining Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Cheryl Johns 1986 as a speech and debate teacher at Cypress Creek High School. Her next assignment was at Cypress Falls High, where she was a classroom teacher