Category Archives: Staff updates

Elizabeth Garcia named new principal of DeChaumes Elementary

Elizabeth Garcia, DeChaumes Elementary (Houston Independent School District)Elizabeth Garcia has been selected as the new principal of DeChaumes Elementary School. Garcia began her career in education as an elementary-school teacher and has taught reading and English in both middle and high schools. She taught for five years in Colombia, South America, before joining HISD and building a successful newcomers’ program at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center. While at Sam Houston, Garcia was recognized as a Tiger Teacher and ELA Teacher of the Year. She continued her career at Hamilton Middle School as dean of students working with the ELA, ESL, and Spanish departments, as well as the sixth- and eighth-grade teams.

Garcia earned her bachelor’s degree in education from University of Auburn and her master’s degree in education from University of Alabama. She holds a certificate of instructional leadership from University of St. Thomas and is certified to teach English, reading, ESL, and Spanish.

Terese Pollard named new principal of Milne Elementary

Terese Pollard, Milne Elementary (Houston Independent School District)Terese Pollard has been selected as the new principal of Milne Elementary School. Ms. Pollard is currently serving as the dean of instruction at Frank Black Middle School. She began her educational career in HISD as a teacher in 2005. In 2008, Ms. Pollard made the transition to campus leadership as assistant principal of Durkee Elementary School and subsequently served in administrative roles at Hamilton Middle School, Patrick Henry Middle School, and East Early College High School. 

Ms. Pollard, who is a graduate of HISD schools, holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

Longtime HISD baseball coach retires after 35 years

Bellaire High School Baseball Head Coach Rocky Manuel announced this week that he will retire after 35 years coaching baseball at HISD.

Rockys RetirementNicks Announcemnt

Principal Michael McDonough, Coach Nick Ozuna, Coach Rocky Manuel

Manuel led the Bellaire baseball team for 25 years. The team went to the state championship tournament three times, while winning the state championship in 1994 and 1999. In 1999, USA Today named Manuel as National Coach of the Year and the Bellaire team was recognized as national champions. Under Manuel’s leadership, over 200 Bellaire baseball players graduated and moved on to play Division I baseball at colleges and universities throughout the country. Seven of those former players continued on to play professionally at the major league level.

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Brandi Lira named new principal of Eastwood Academy

Brandi Lira, Eastwood Academy (Houston Independent School District)Brandi Lira has been selected as the new principal of Eastwood Academy, where she has been the dean of students for the past three years. Growing up, she attended HISD schools and graduated from the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (now the High School for Law and Justice). 

Mrs. Lira has a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of Houston. After teaching English at Austin High School, she returned to school and earned a masters degree in educational administration. Three years later, she became the ninth-grade assistant principal at Austin.

 

Paula Pierre named new principal of Fonville Middle School

Paula Pierre poses for a photograph, January 13, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Paula Pierre has been selected as the new principal of Fonville Middle School.  Ms. Pierre has served HISD in various capacities for more than 10 years, including principal of Alcott Elementary School most recently, assistant principal of Burbank Middle School, and as a district middle-school literacy specialist. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

 

Armando Lujan named new principal of Berry Elementary

Armando Lujan has been appointed as principal at Berry Elementary. Before this appointment, Mr. Lujan served as principal of Edison Middle School for the past four years. Prior to that, Mr. Lujan served as principal of Roosevelt Elementary for three years, as well as Dean of Students at Lamar High School for four years. Mr. Lujan started his teaching career as a special education teacher working with emotionally challenged students with the Corpus Christi Independent School District. He served as a special education teacher for six years before beginning his administrative career as an assistant principal at Elliot Grant Middle School in Corpus Christi. Mr. Lujan holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. In addition, Mr. Lujan has recently completed Rice University’s REEP Business Fellowship.

 

Julie Dickinson named new principal of Kolter Elementary

Julianne Dickinson poses for a photograph, April 4, 2016. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)Julie Dickinson has been selected as the principal of Kolter Elementary. Before her new appointment, Ms. Dickinson was an assistant principal and the magnet coordinator at Kolter, where she has been working for four years. Prior to that, she served as Title 1 coordinator and chairman of the special education department at Daily Elementary School. Before coming to HISD, Ms. Dickinson taught at the middle-school level in Mississippi and the high-school level in California.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from Hollins University, a master’s degree in special education from William Carey College, and administrative certification from Region IV.

Bertha Espinosa-Garza named new principal of Golfcrest Elementary

20160211_BOE_056It is with great pleasure that we announce Bertha Espinosa-Garza as new principal of Golfcrest Elementary School. She has been a part of Team HISD for 16 years, serving the elementary level as instructional specialist, literacy coach, and bilingual teacher. Most recently, she served for two years as assistant principal of Briscoe Elementary School. Mrs. Espinosa-Garza completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston-Downtown and her graduate studies at Concordia University in Austin.

She received her bachelor of science in Bilingual Education and her masters in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Queinnise Miller named new principal of Smith Elementary

Queinnise Miller poses for a photograph, May 31, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)We are pleased to announce that Dr.
Miller has been selected as the new principal of Smith Elementary School. After 15 years as an educator, she continues to have a passion for teaching and leading. Her motivation for this work is ensuring that all scholars receive a world-class educational experience despite their cultural or economic backgrounds. Dr. Miller has served as an elementary and secondary teacher, department chair, district trainer, and assistant principal in various districts. Her background is in English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education, and Foreign Language Instruction. Dr. Miller joined the HISD team three years ago and served as a senior manager for Leadership Development and director in the Office of School Leadership.

Dr. Miller completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and her graduate studies at Prairie View A&M. She received her bachelor of arts in Spanish, her masters in Educational Administration, and her doctor of philosophy in Educational Leadership. Dr. Miller is married with two children.

Maria Barrientos named new principal of J.P. Henderson Elementary

Maria E. Barrientos (Houston Independent School District)Maria E. Barrientos has 35 years of experience in public education. She began her career with HISD at J.P. Henderson Elementary School. After teaching kindergarten and fourth grade, and completing her administrative internship, Ms. Barrientos took on various leadership roles at JPHES, as well as at other public and charter schools. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the university level.

Ms. Barrientos holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Houston Central Campus and a master’s degree in educational mid-management and supervision from Texas Southern University. In addition, she completed her doctoral coursework at Texas Southern University in school administration and educational policy. Ms. Barrientos has certifications in Elementary Education, ESL / Bilingual, Psychology, and Mid-Management.

Ms. Barrientos is the recipient of numerous awards for her dedication and commitment to serving children and families. Most recently she was presented the Humanitarian Award/Public Education Advocate of the Year award by the National Hispanic Professional Organization Houston and the Future National Leader Award by Bank of America.