New Caney ISD officials have named five new principals ahead of the 2025-26 school year, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 6.

1. Tavola Elementary School

Gipsy Leal—assistant principal at Sorters Mill Elementary School—was promoted to principal after the district’s board of trustees approved the change during the May 19 meeting.
  • Former campus principal: Kristie Kelley
  • Education experience: 16 years
2. Dogwood Elementary School

Dogwood Assistant Principal Michelle Kale was approved for the principal position by the district’s board of trustees during a May 19 meeting.
  • Former campus principal: Sheri Lowe
  • Education experience: 10 years
3. Highlands Elementary School

Rodree Carlile—the former principal at Kings Manor Elementary—assumed the role of head of school at Highlands Elementary School on Jan. 6. Highlands Elementary will be the district’s newest campus and is slated to open this fall.
  • Education experience: 14 years
4. Woodridge Forest Middle School


Jeffrey Reece—the assistant principal at Porter High School—will be Woodridge Forest Middle School's new principal after NCISD's board of trustees approved his promotion during an April 21 meeting.
  • Former campus principal: Daniel Carr
  • Education experience: 19 years
5. New Caney High School

NCHS Dean of Instruction Amber Beard will serve as principal after the district’s board of trustees approved her promotion during an April 21 meeting.
  • Former campus principal: Jonathan Powell
  • Education experience: More than 20 years