Dallas, a master’s degree in speech/language pathology from Texas Woman’s University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University. Taylor Elementary School’s new principal, Lisa Young, most recently held the same position at Rockenbaugh Elementary in Carroll ISD. The Baylor University graduate holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Texas. The new deputy superintendent, Rick Westfall, has spent 24 years as an educator in Texas, joining the district in 2011 as chief learning officer.
Gregory-Portland ISD
Xavier Barrera retired at the end of the
2015-2016 school year, bringing to a close 46 years as a teacher and principal. He began his career in education and with the district as an intern in the mid-1960s.
Harris County Department of Education
Darlene Breaux is the new director of special populations for the Teaching and Learning Center. She has 19 years of experience as a national trainer, principal and special services coordinator. Breaux is a graduate of Texas Southern University and received her master’s degree in educational management from Texas Southern University.
Hart ISD
David Cox, who was principal of Dimmitt
High School in Dimmitt ISD, is now superintendent of Hart ISD. An educator since 1985, he has been an administrator for 11 years. The district’s new elementary principal is Krista Gregory. She has spent the past 15 years as an elementary teacher, most recently working at Swinburn Elementary School in Tulia ISD.
Humble ISD After 41 years directing Humble ISD’s middle school band programs, Buck Bankston has retired. The district’s new superintendent, Elizabeth Fagan, brings 20 years of experience to her new position. Her most recent job was superintendent of the Douglas County School District in Colorado; she also served in the top position in Arizona’s Tucson Unified School District. Fagan received her bachelor’s degree from William Penn University. Her master’s, doctoral and education specialist degrees are from Drake University in Iowa.
Irving ISD
Stephanie Cook has been named director
of guidance and counseling. She began her career in 2006 as a special education teacher in Arlington ISD and worked in Birdville
ISD before joining Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in 2010. Cook’s bachelor’s degree in psychology and biblical studies was awarded from Dallas Christian College. She holds two master’s degrees, in counseling and school counseling, from Dallas Baptist University, where she is pursuing a doctorate. Blanca De la Sierra is the new principal of Keyes Elementary School, moving there from Brandenburg Elementary, where she was assistant principal. She began her career in Irving ISD in 2008 as a fifth grade dual-language teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in bilingual education, both from Southern Methodist University. Farine Elementary School welcomed its new principal, Joe Estrada, IV, at the beginning of the school year. A product of Irving ISD schools, he began his career 13 years ago and was most recently assistant principal of Jordan Elementary School in Dallas ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and his master’s degree in education from The University of Texas at Arlington. Newly promoted Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Magda Hernandez has been with the district for 18 years, the past two as assistant superintendent of human resources. She is a cum laude graduate of Texas Woman’s University and earned her master’s degree in educational administration from that institution. Imelda Little is the new division director of pre-K-5 schools, west. She formerly worked for the district as a bilingual teacher and vice principal of Townley Elementary before transferring to Mansfield and Grand Prairie ISDs, where she was principal of Icenhower Intermediate School since 2013. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University at Kingsville). Now serving as division director for student support services is Laina McDonald. She has 31 years of experience in education, all in Castleberry ISD, where she most recently was assistant superintendent of instruction services. McDonald received her bachelor’s degree from Cameron University and her master’s degree in education from Wayland Baptist University. Her doctorate in education administration was awarded from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Eric Ogle, a 13-year employee of the district, is now principal of Lamar Middle School.
He comes to his new job from Nimitz High School, where he was associate principal. He holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in language and composition and one in communication studies. He also has two master’s degrees — one in secondary education from the University of North Texas and another in educational leadership and policy studies from The University of Texas at Arlington. Adriana Rico, former assistant principal of Haley Elementary School, has been promoted to principal of Britain Elementary. The 16-year district employee holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in administration from Grand Canyon University. The new assistant superintendent of school leadership and development, Shannon Trejo, was previously with the district for 12 years, moving in 2002 to Pasadena ISD. She returned to Irving in 2011 and has been serving as division director of K-8 schools, west. Trejo received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas and her master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Jacksboro ISD
New Superintendent Dwain Milam comes to Jacksboro ISD from Collinsville ISD, where he also held the top job.
Jacksonville ISD
Jacksonville High School alum Bill Avera has returned to his hometown as the district’s new police chief. He has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, 12 of those in school-based policing. He most recently was assistant chief of police for Dallas ISD. The new associate superintendent of curriculum and student services, Lisa Cox, has been with the district since 2002 and was executive director of curriculum since December 2015.
Keller ISD
Justin Barrett, assistant principal of Elder
Middle School in Fort Worth ISD since 2014, is now principal of Trinity Springs Middle School. A graduate of the University of North Texas, he received his master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University. Donnie Bartlett has been approved as principal of Timber Creek High School. He joins the district from Grand Prairie ISD, where he was an elementary, middle school and ninth grade principal. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of North Texas and his master’s degree in educational administration from Dallas Baptist University. > See Who’s News, page 22 Texas School Business SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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