Luis Saenz has been named the new principal of Patterson Elementary School. An product of the Austin High School Magnet Program for Teaching Professions, Saenz started his career in HISD 19 years ago as a teacher assistant and bilingual teacher at Crespo and Twain Elementary Schools. Upon completing HISD’s Principal Academy for Collaborative Engagement cohort, Saenz joined Patterson Elementary as assistant principal and IB Primary Years Program coordinator. Through his leadership, Patterson Elementary became the first elementary campus in the East Area to become authorized by the IB Program to offer the Primary Years Program as part of the IB continuum in the Chavez Feeder Pattern.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in bilingual education and master’s degree in English from the University of St. Thomas.