Kari Torres was named the new principal of Sundown Elementary School at the Jan. 24 Katy ISD board meeting. Torres has 28 years of experience teaching in K-12 public school and started her new role with Sundown Elementary last week.

As a junior high teacher in Alief ISD, Torres began her career in 1993. In addition to teaching language arts and social studies, she also specialized in gifted and talented, and dyslexia programs in Alief ISD. In 2006, Torres transitioned into a leadership role as a district English as a second language/bilingual instructional specialist, and then she became the program supervisor of the district's elementary program.

In 2014, she joined Katy ISD as assistant principal at Fielder Elementary School. She held this position for two years before accepting the position of student support administrator at WoodCreek Junior High School. Torres most recently served as assistant principal at Adams Junior High School.

“I’m excited to continue the existing traditions of the Sundown ‘Armadillo’ family as well as create new adventures along the way,” Torres said in a press release. “Along with the Sundown team of educators and parents, we will work together to provide each student a safe, supportive and positive environment,”

Torres has a Bachelor of Arts in English, a master's in educational management and a Ph.D. in educational leadership.