Who’s News Now serving as the first principal of the new Cunningham Middle School at South Park is Sandy Salinas-DeLeon. An employee of the district for 15 years, she previously was principal of Cunningham Middle School, which has now merged with South Park Middle School.
Corrigan-Camden ISD Now serving as district superintendent is Richard Cooper, former Groesbeck ISD high school principal. An educator for 23 years, he has spent 14 of those as an administrator.
Corsicana ISD Corsicana High School’s new band director is Brent Smith, who was most recently Pearce High School’s director of concert and symphonic bands. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Baylor University.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD The new principal of Horne Elementary School, Tracey Bennett, was most recently assistant principal of Andre Elementary School. Now completing 22 years in education, she came to CFISD in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Oklahoma. She received a second master’s degree, in educational administration, from Sam Houston State University. Martin Drayton, former
director of instruction at Cypress Ridge High School, is the new principal of Cook Middle School. An educator for 19 years, he began his career in Fort Bend ISD, joining CFISD in 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University and his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Houston at Victoria. The former assistant principal of Woodard Elementary School, Dinah McMichael, has been promoted to principal of Lieder Elementary. She has spent her 13-year career with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD after earning her bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and her master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University. The district’s new assistant superintendent of business and financial services is Connie Morgenroth, who has 20 years of
experience in public school administration. She began her career in Clear Creek ISD and was most recently assistant superintendent of business and operations for Friendswood ISD. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas State University. Former Frazier Elementary School assistant principal Michael Pagano now leads the school as principal. An educator for 15 years, he worked in Utah’s Nebo School District before joining CFISD in 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Gloria Ramirez, Langham
Creek High School’s director of bands, received the 2019 Meritorious Achievement Award for outstanding commitment to music education from the Texas Bandmasters Association. With 38 years of experience in music education, she taught in Spring and Humble ISDs before joining CFISD. Karen Stockton, the new
principal of Post Elementary School, most recently led Lieder Elementary. She has served in CFISD for 27 years, beginning as a teacher and going on to work as an assistant principal and principal. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling were awarded from Prairie View A&M University and her doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston. Now serving as principal of Duryea Elementary School is Tomicka Williams, who most recently led Post Elementary. An educator for 25 years, she worked in Lufkin and Katy ISDs and in Stafford MSD before coming to CFISD in 2010. She has a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M University.
Del Valle ISD The Del Valle ISD board of trustees announces the appointment of deputy superintendent Annette Tielle Villerot to the position of interim superintendent. She previously served as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Pflugerville, Comal and Manor ISDs. She received her bachelor’s degree from
Bloomsburg University, her master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University, and her doctorate from the University of Texas.
Decatur ISD The Decatur Board of Trustees appointed Brett Springston interim superintendent. He was previously superintendent of Brownsville and Bartlett ISDs.
Denton ISD Now leading Pecan Creek Elementary School is Amanda Bomar, who was assistant principal of Wilson Elementary. She began her career in Crockett ISD, going on to work in Lufkin and Mesquite ISDs and joining Denton ISD in 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. Former Pecan Creek Elementary School principal Lacey Rainey is now DISD’s area superintendent of academic programs. She brings 17 years of experience to her new position, including three years as an administrator in Community ISD. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, her master’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce, and her doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. The district’s new director of secondary curriculum is Lisa Thibodeaux, a 22-year employee of Plano ISD. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas.
Dripping Springs ISD Dripping Springs High School has welcomed Angela Gamez, a former assistant principal at the school, as principal. She previously taught in Karnes City, Marble Falls and Llano ISDs. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, she holds a master’s degree in teaching from St. Edward’s University. Melinda Gardner has
accepted the position of Walnut Springs Elementary School principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree in > See Who’s News, page 14 Texas School Business SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
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