Hays CISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved hiring Karen Zuniga as the new principal for Science Hall Elementary School during its Aug. 31 meeting. Zuniga began her career at Hays CISD at Hemphill Elementary School in 2002.  From there, Zuniga taught at Tobias Elementary School and Chapa Middle School before becoming an instructional strategist. In 2013, she was named the assistant principal at Chapa Middle School, which was designated a Texas School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. In 2017, Zuniga served as the Hays CISD summer school principal. Hays CISD Public Information Officer Tim Savoy said the board looks forward to having Zungia lead Science Hall. Karen Zuniga[/caption] “She has been a part of the Hays CISD family longer than most and she is a respected school leader. Her talent and love for children are among the many qualities that will quickly endear her to the Science Hall community,” Savoy said. “Karen is not only a seasoned educator, she is also deeply committed to the communities and children in our district.” Zuniga is the first member of her family to earn a college degree. She earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on special education from Texas State University and holds two masters degrees, one in curriculum and instruction from Texas State University and another in educational administration from Lamar University. Zuniga has been named the Chapa Middle School Teacher of the Year and was an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award semifinalist in the teacher leadership category. Science Hall was one of two the Hays CISD schools labeled as "Improvement Required" by the Texas Education Agency.