Samantha Woods is the new principal of Valley West Elementary School. Woods transitioned from Alief ISD to HISD in 2015 and has served as a science lab teacher, teacher specialist, and assistant principal. During her tenure at Valley West, she has focused on building strong academic programs and accountability systems for the diverse population she serves. She earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix, Houston Campus, and her master’s degree from Lamar University, Beaumont.