At the Dec. 11 board meeting, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board members selected two individuals to serve key roles in the district’s administration.

In a nutshell

According to a district news release, Lauren Jackson, assistant principal at the GCISD Collegiate Academy, was selected as the school’s new principal. Board members also approved Lisa Pedevilla as the new executive director of curriculum and instruction.

Sorting out details

The news release states Jackson has served at the Collegiate Academy for the past 7 1/2 years in the following roles:
  • Physics teacher
  • Testing coordinator
  • Learning liaison
  • Campus administrator
Jackson said the Collegiate Academy has flourished into one of the highest-performing early college high schools, and she is excited to continue the strong partnership with Tarrant County College Northeast and to create new opportunities for students.


“With Lauren’s experience at Collegiate Academy, and the relationships she’s built with faculty, students and families, there is no doubt that her vision and collaborative approach will help the campus to continue to realize tremendous success in the future years,” Superintendent Brad Schnautz said.

According to the news release, Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a master's in educational leadership, both from West Texas A&M University. She will begin her new role Jan. 2.

Pedevilla has been serving as interim executive director of curriculum and instruction since July, a district news release states. Prior to serving in that role, she has held the following positions during her 33-year career in education:
  • Campus principal since 2012, leading campuses in both Carroll ISD and at GCISD’s O.C. Taylor Elementary School
  • Coordinator for 21st century learning and professional development, and coordinator for K-12 English language arts and social studies in Carroll ISD
  • Elementary and intermediate school teacher, and later an assistant principal in Coppell ISD
“Dr. Pedevilla has done an excellent job serving in the interim role, and I’m looking forward to her leadership,” Schnautz said. “The work she and the academic team do will continue to provide exceptional learning experiences while supporting and building up our educators across GCISD.”

According to the news release, Pedevilla has a Bachelor of Science in education from Baylor University, a master of science in educational administration from the University of North Texas, and a doctorate in education in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University. She will begin her new role immediately.