Alicia Craig has been selected as the new principal of Foerster Elementary School. Craig is currently the principal of Fondren Elementary School. She began her career in 1995 as sixth-grade self-contained teacher. Throughout her career in Alief ISD, she also served as a content specialist and an assistant principal. Craig received her bachelor’s degree in Science-Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Houston in Educational Management.
Category Archives: Staff updates
Thayer Hutcheson named new principal of Briargrove Elementary School
Thayer Hutcheson has been selected as the new principal of Briargrove Elementary School. Hutcheson previously was a biology and AP psychology teacher at Westside High School and a Dean of Instruction at Worthing High School. Most recently, she served as the magnet academy principal at Heights High School, an International Baccalaureate World School. Thayer earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Rhodes College and a master’s in Business Administration from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, with an emphasis in the Rice University Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP).
HISD names new Officer of Business Logistics & Transportation
Alexis Licata
Houston ISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby has selected Alexis Licata to be the district’s new Officer of Business Logistics & Transportation.
Licata has served as general manager of the Office of Business Assistance for nine years, where she was responsible for the district’s risk management, supplier diversity, and warehouse services. She began her career with HISD in 1998 as a member of the HISD Nutrition Services Department.
In her new role, Licata is responsible for about 1,600 employees and a $45 million budget across the areas of transportation, fleet operations, logistics (previously warehouse services), textbooks, risk management, furniture services and supplier diversity. Continue reading
Kasey Bailey named new principal of Lawson Middle School
Kasey Bailey has been selected as the new principal of Lawson Middle School. Bailey is currently the principal of Foerster Elementary School. She began her career in 2004 as a middle-school English Teacher and served as assistant principal at Barbara Bush Elementary School and Worthing High School. Bailey received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and her master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston–Victoria.
J. Auden Sarabia named new principal of Meyerland Middle School
J. Auden Sarabia has been selected as the new principal of Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School. Sarabia is currently principal of Crespo Elementary School, a fine arts magnet school. He began his career in 1999 as an instructional technologist at Wharton K-8 Dual Language Academy. He also served as magnet coordinator for Wharton Dual Language Academy and Roberts Elementary School. Sarabia received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish/Education from the University of Texas. He completed the Entrepreneurship Program at Rice University and holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Houston.
HISD names new director for its Family and Community Engagement Department
Dr. Michelle Burke
Dr. Michelle Burke has been selected as the new director for HISD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department.
Dr. Burke will report directly to Chief Student Support Officer Mark Smith. She will continue working on assisting schools, families, and community stakeholders with the tools, guidance, and resources needed to support student academic achievement. She will take an active role in empowering families and the community at large to make the best decisions for their child’s academic success.
“I am so honored to have the privilege to lead our family and community engagement efforts,” Dr. Burke said. “I look forward to sharing my passion and service to the community and will continue building solid partnerships with our schools, families, and the community to impact the success of our students.” Continue reading
HISD announces new principal of Secondary DAEP School
The Houston Independent School District appointed Tynette Guinn as the principal of the new Secondary Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) School.
Guinn serves as principal of Lawson Middle School but is currently transitioning into her new role. She also served as principal of High School Ahead Academy and in numerous campus leadership positions within the district. Guinn earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in computer information systems from Prairie View A&M and her master’s degree of educational management from University of Houston-Clear Lake.
HISD announces new principal of Secondary DAEP School
The Houston Independent School District appointed Tynette Guinn as the principal of the new Secondary Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) School.
Guinn serves as principal of Lawson Middle School but is currently transitioning into her new role. She also served as principal of High School Ahead Academy and in numerous campus leadership positions within the district. Guinn earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in computer information systems from Prairie View A&M and her master’s degree of educational management from University of Houston-Clear Lake.
“Words cannot explain how truly excited I am about the opportunity to help Houston ISD develop this in-house Secondary DAEP School,” said Principal Tynette Guinn. “I am looking forward to creating an environment that will support some of our most at-risk students in changing their behaviors through the district’s social and emotional learning platform.” Continue reading
Lilly Rincon named new principal of Jefferson Elementary
Lilly Rincon has been selected as the new principal of Jefferson Elementary School. Rincon began her nearly two-decade career in education in the McAllen Independent School District in South Texas. After two years of teaching, she decided to return to her hometown and served as a classroom teacher at Burbank and Travis Elementary schools in HISD. During this time, Rincon was recognized as a Bilingual Teacher of the Year and selected as a candidate for the HISD Turnaround Leadership Cohort. She joined the Jefferson leadership team as a Teacher Specialist and assumed the role of Assistant Principal three years ago. Rincon received her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Houston Downtown and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston.
HISD names new chief communications officer
Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza has named Rebecca Suárez as the district’s new chief communications officer.
Suárez, a 13-time Lone Star Emmy Award winner, is currently an anchor and reporter at Univision (KXLN 45) and has more than 15 years of experience in media and communications. She is also a former HISD staff member, having served as the district’s primary spokesperson for Spanish-language media, senior media relations specialist, and community affairs television host. She has also worked as an anchor and reporter for NBC Telemundo (KTMD 47).
“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Suárez back to Team HISD,” Carranza said. “She is a familiar face who brings with her an extensive knowledge of the district and will offer new ways to engage with and inform our community.” Continue reading