The details
HISD Chief of Schools Sandi Massey said three principals from each of the district's four geographic divisions were nominated, including:
- Bathsheba Nash, Wesley Elementary School
- Iliana Perez, Clifton Middle School
- Marie Adams, North Forest High School
- Alexis McMiller, Woodson PK-5 Leadership Academy
- Shanica Smith, Thomas Middle School
- Ruth Pena, Milby High School
- Christopher Hua, Pilgrim Academy
- Crystal Blanchard, West Briar Middle School
- Yolanda Bruce, Westbury High School
- Trealla Epps, Roberts Elementary School
- Alejandro Lopez, Navarro Middle School
- Wendy Hampton, Heights High School
To be considered, Massey said the principal was required to have returned to the same school they led the previous year. Additionally, she said the schools must have received A or B scores in the A-F state accountability ratings.
Massey also noted schools that already had A ratings had to grow at least one point in the ratings, while schools without A ratings had to grow at least five points. After narrowing down the choices using that criteria, Massey said leadership chose principals based on leadership, culture and professionalism.
“I have the privilege of having the best job, and that's just being at schools so many times a week and seeing the great things that principals are doing and teachers are doing in the classrooms," Massey said.
What’s next
While HISD officials could not confirm a timeline for this year as of press time, the district has previously announced “Principal of the Year” award winners in October.
