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a master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas, she has served in Plano ISD since 1999. She was most recently principal of Academy High. The district’s new assistant superintendent for campus services is Susan Modisette, who began her career as a teacher in Michigan’s Allegan County Intermediate School District in 1980. She most recently was Plano ISD’s executive director of secondary campus services. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University. The new executive director of elementary campus services is Lorraine Shimizu. She began her career as a teacher in Dallas ISD. She received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and two master’s degrees, in elementary education and in educational leadership, from the University of North Texas. Lisa Thibodeaux is executive director of secondary academic services. She began her career as a junior high teacher in Hillsborough County (Florida) Schools, coming to Plano in 1997. A graduate of the University of South Florida, she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas. Jim Wussow is assistant superintendent for academic services. He also has worked for Optical Data Corp. and Richardson and Garland ISDs. He most recently was Plano ISD’s executive director of secondary academic services. Wussow is a graduate of The University of Texas. He has a master’s degree from Louisiana State University, where he also received his doctorate. Four principal appointments have been made. They are: • Matthew Endsley, Jasper High School; • Gloria Martinez, Williams High School; • Lynn Ojeda, Academy High School; and • Kristopher Vernon, Bowman Middle School. New assistant principals are: • Brooks Baca, Haggard Middle School; • William Daniel, Clark High School; • Albert Gallo, Plano East Senior High School; • Catherine Gaschen, Academy High School; • Ellie Murphy, Shepton High School; and • Nataushe Sibbaluca, Shepton High School. 28
Texas School Business • October 2014
Richardson ISD The new assistant superintendent of secondary instruction and operations is Tabitha Branum, who comes from Coppell ISD, where she was executive director of leading and learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree Tabitha Branum in history and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from the University of North Texas. Kristin Byno is executive director of junior high instruction. She previously was principal of Ennis Junior High in Ennis ISD. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and microbiology and received her master’s degree in eduKristin Byno cational administration from the University of North Texas. Her doctorate in educational leadership is from Lamar University. Peggy Dillon is executive director of high school instruction, operations and leadership. Previously, she was principal of Lake Highlands High School since 2009. She has spent her 17-year career in Richardson ISD and holds a Peggy Dillon bachelor’s degree in literary studies and a master’s degree in educational administration. Former Richardson High School Assistant Principal Josh Eason is now principal of Richardson North Junior High. A product of Richardson ISD schools, Eason was with the district for 18 years as a coach and science teachJosh Eason er before becoming assistant principal of West Junior High and then Richardson High. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Helena Lopez is now leading MST Magnet School as principal, having served as the Helena Lopez school’s assistant princi-
pal since 2012. She has been with Richardson ISD since she began her career 11 years ago. Lopez earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from The University of Texas at Dallas and her master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Roma ISD Carlos Guzman, who had been serving as interim superintendent, is now superintendent. The Roma High School graduate earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of TexasPan American. Guzman Carlos Guzman began working in Roma ISD in 1986. Prior to the interim post, he was director of student improvement. Round Rock ISD Valerie Tidwell, assistant principal of Bluebonnet Elementary School for the past three years, is now principal of Brushy Creek Elementary. A teacher for 16 years, she also has been academic dean of Wells Branch ElemenValerie Tidwell tary. Fine Arts Director Jim Van Zandt has been recognized by the Texas Bandmasters Association with its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. A past president of the Texas Music Educators Association, he also serves as one of six expert content reviewers for the revision of the fine arts TEKS. He has been a public school band director for almost four decades, including 20 years with Birdville ISD and six as band director of Round Rock ISD’s Westwood High School. San Angelo ISD Several administrative appointments have been made. They are: • Bertha Carrasco, Bradford Elementary School, assistant principal; • Karen Clark, Glenn Middle School, principal; • Christy Diego, Reagan Elementary School, principal; • Rebecca Flores, Central High School, assistant principal; • Lauri Herndon, Glenn Middle School, assistant principal; • Clayton Hubbard, Lee Middle School, assistant principal; • Sharon Lane, Goliad Elementary