Category Archives: Staff updates

Ericka Austin named new principal of Sugar Grove Middle School

Ericka Austin has been selected as the new principal of Sugar Grove Middle School. 

Austin joined HISD in 2014 as a teacher specialist at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, after beginning her career in Arlington ISD as a fifth-grade math and science teacher and later, grade-level chair. She also served as a teacher specialist at High School Ahead Academy before moving into the role of a data-driven instructional specialist for the district. In 2019, she returned to High School Ahead Academy as principal.

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Tammie Moran named new principal of Furr High School

Tammie Moran has been selected as the new principal of Furr High School. Moran began her career in education in 1996 and has served the students in the HISD community for the last 24 years. Moran has experience  as a science teacher, department chair, new teacher induction coach, registrar and assistant principal at both Wisdom and Furr High Schools. Most recently, she held the position of Principal at Franklin Elementary School. Moran earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas Southern University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University.

Laura Zavaleta named new principal of Franklin Elementary School

Laura Zavaleta has been selected as the new principal of Franklin Elementary School. Zavaleta started her career fifteen years ago in HISD, as a bilingual teacher. Zavaleta continued to serve as an ESL teacher at Sugar Grove Academy Middle School and later served as a teacher specialist at McNamara Elementary School. She was promoted to assist campuses, at the district level, as a Data Driven Instructional Specialist. Most recently, she joined Team Franklin as a teacher specialist. Zavaleta earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston- Downtown and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. 

Ricardo Mena named new principal of Sanchez Elementary School

Ricardo Mena has been selected as the new principal of Sanchez Elementary School. Mena started his career 17 years ago as a science teacher at a charter school in North Houston. In 2005, he became a science teacher at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (now Kinder HSPVA). He has held the position of assistant principal at Eastwood Academy High School for the last five years and most recently at Austin High School. Mena was selected as the Teacher of the Year for HSPVA for 2006-2007. Mena earned his bachelor’s in Earth Sciences from Texas A&M University his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.

Michael Hutchins named new principal of Elrod Elementary School

Michael Hutchins has been selected as the new principal of Elrod Elementary School. Hutchins is a product of HISD schools and has served as a teacher, Title I coordinator and IAT liaison throughout his teaching career. He has also served as assistant principal for the last five years with HISD – two years at the middle school level, and three years at the elementary level. During his years as a teacher, Hutchins was nominated as Teacher of the Year and HAABSE Teacher of the Year. Hutchins received his bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University and went on to receive his Master of Education Administration from Texas Southern University.

Matthew Schwer named new principal of Eliot Elementary School

Matthew Schwer has been selected as the new principal at Eliot Elementary School. Schwer currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Eliot Elementary. During his tenure at Eliot, he has advised and supported students and parents across the Leader in Me Program, APPTT Parent Engagement Initiative, and DAEP Program. He began his educational career in middle school as a classroom teacher in Special Education, sixth- and seventh-grade math, team lead, cultural development lead, and assistant principal. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree at Sam Houston State University. 

Everett Hare Sr. named new principal of Worthing High School

Everett Hare Sr. has been selected as the new principal of Evan G. Worthing High School.  Hare has 15 years of experience in the field of education.  He started his career as a third-grade teacher at Dodson Elementary School and then worked as an instructional specialist at Pleasantville Elementary.  For the past four years, he has served as principal at Bastian Elementary School, transforming the school from a multi-year IR campus to consecutive years of meeting state standard and achievement with designation distinctions. Hare has a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas Southern University.  Hare currently serves as the Vice-President for HASA and Liaison Leader for HAABSE with HISD.  

Keoshya Dunn named new principal of Lawson Middle School

Keoshya Dunn has been selected as the new principal of Audrey H. Lawson Middle School. Dunn began her career 13 years ago as an eighth-grade mathematics teacher in Alief ISD. She joined HISD in 2017 as a teacher specialist at Lawson Middle School, where she currently serves as the Dean of Instruction. Her experience ranges from a math teacher leader, department chair, math specialist, and dean of instruction.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia University. 

Gina R. Wilkins named new principal of Woodson Elementary School

Gina R. Wilkins has been selected as the new principal of Woodson Elementary School. Wilkins began her career in HISD as a dedicated substitute. With 24 years of service in education, she has served as a teacher, magnet coordinator, and assistant principal. Most recently she served as the Dean of Instruction at Woodson and Foerster Elementary Schools. Wilkins received a dual bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Government Services from Texas Woman’s University. She continued her education at Texas Southern University, where she earned a Master of Science in Child and Family Development. Wilkins also successfully completed the Rice University Education Entrepreneurship Program.