Abilene ISD Cary Owens, who worked as the district’s coordinator of instructional technology since 2008, is now chief technology officer. She began her career 18 years ago as a math teacher at Jefferson Middle School, moving to Madison Middle School in the same capacity. She has been in the Abilene ISD Technology Department for 12 years, serving as a technology analyst and instructional technology specialist before taking her most recent position. Owens has earned four degrees from Abilene Christian University: two bachelor’s degrees, in computer science and mathematics instruction, and two master’s degrees, in school principalship and school supervision. Cynde Wadley has stepped into the role of coordinator of instructional technology. She previously was assistant superintendent of curriculum and technology integration at Abilene’s Wylie ISD and a technology consultant for ESC Region 14. Earlier in her career with Abilene ISD, she served as an elementary teacher. Athens ISD Janie Sims, a district assistant superintendent since 2000, is now superintendent. She was most recently curriculum director and also has served as an intermediate and elementary principal with Athens ISD. Sims, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University and her master’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, holds a doctorate from Stephen F. Austin State University. Birdville ISD Charles “Chris” Feris is the district’s new director of athletics. He comes to his new position from Plano ISD, where he was associate athletic director since 2003. A longtime member of the National Interscholastic Athletic AdminisCharles “Chris” trators Association, he Feris is treasurer of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. He was an assistant baseball coach at Rice University from 1994 to 2000 and was assistant director of marketing and development in the school’s athletics department in 19931994. Feris has a bachelor’s degree from Rice University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Burleson ISD A new human resources director has
Who’s News
been named for the district. She is Cretia Basham, who previously served as a teacher and, most recently, as principal of Hajek Elementary School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. China Spring ISD Marc Faulkner, who had been serving as the district’s assistant superintendent, has been promoted to superintendent. An educator for 16 years, he also has worked as China Spring ISD’s high school principal and interim superintenMarc Faulkner dent. He began his career teaching agricultural science at Marlin High School in Marlin ISD in 1997, going on to take his first administrative assignment in 2001 when he became assistant principal of Robinson High School in Robinson ISD. He joined China Spring ISD in 2004. In 2008, he was named ESC Region 7 Principal of the Year. Faulkner earned both his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and his master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University. He is near completion of his doctorate at Stephen F. Austin State University. Clint ISD Superintendent Edward Gabaldon has announced his upcoming retirement, effective in June. Comal ISD David Anderson is the district’s new chief financial officer. He most recently held the same position in Manor ISD and has served in similar capacities in other Central and South Texas districts, including Hays CISD and David Anderson Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, Seguin and Pflugerville ISDs. Kari Hutchison has been appointed the district’s deputy superintendent. She joined Comal ISD in 1999 as director of communications, and in 2009 she was promoted to assistant superintendent for administrative services. Before Kari Hutchison coming to Comal ISD, she spent 10 years in El Paso
ISD, where she was executive director for communications and business partnerships. The new executive director for facilities and construction is Helen Keaton, who spent 20 years in the public sector with Joeris General Contractors as vice president of estimating and preconstruction. Last year, she was treasurer of the Helen Keaton political action committee for Southwest ISD’s successful bond election in San Antonio. The new executive director for human resources is Catherine Robert, who joined the district in 2011 as coordinator of community education. She began as a teacher in Fredericksburg ISD and also worked in Kerrville ISD. Prior to Catherine Robert coming to Comal ISD, she was an education specialist in academic services for ESC Region 13. Conroe ISD Snyder Elementary School, the district’s newest primary school, will have Lindsay Ardoin as principal when it opens for the 2013-2014 school year. She has been an educator for 12 years, the past five with Conroe ISD. Lindsay Ardoin She has been an assistant principal at Coulson Tough K-6 School and at Birnham Woods Elementary. Before coming to Conroe, she taught third and fifth grades and worked as an instructional and intervention specialist. Ardoin, who earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma, holds a master’s degree in education from Sam Houston State University. Another new school, Conroe High School Ninth Grade Campus, will open in the fall with Jeff Stichler as principal. An educator for 18 years, he has spent the past 14 in Conroe ISD as a teacher, assistant principal, summer school Jeff Stichler principal and associate principal. His most recent position was associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Conroe High School. See WHO’S NEWS on page 26 May 2013 • Texas School Business
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