Northwest ISD officials named four new principals for schools in its district, including the newly constructed Barksdale Middle School.
What happened?
The new principal for Barksdale Middle School is Michelle Jennings, who was voted in unanimously by the board, 7-0.
“I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Barksdale Middle School as we prepare to open the school together,” she said. “My top two priorities are building relationships with our incoming Bronco families, and beginning the hiring process to find the best educators and support staff possible for our students."
In her previous roles, Jennings has served as the assistant principal to Worthington Middle School since the school opened in 2023. She was also an assistant principal at Wilson Middle School for three years and served as a teacher in NISD for eight years.
The opening of Barksdale Middle School is part of the 2023 bond package that was approved by voters to address the district's growth. The school is expected to open for the 2026-27 school year, according to previous reporting.
Diving deeper
The board also unanimously named new principals for the following three schools for the 2026-27 school year:
- Danny Fracassi for Worthington Middle School
- Kenni Dwyer for Sendera Ranch Elementary School
- Britney Kerley for Carter Elementary School
Fracassi has served as the principal of the Leadership Academy at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD for the past six years. Prior to working in school administration, he was a teacher for 11 years.
“As a parent in Northwest ISD, I know the standard of excellence we expect from students,” he said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation at Worthington Middle School and living up to the school district’s mission of preparing students for their future.”
Dwyer has been the interim principal at Sendera Ranch since November and served as an educator at Schluter Elementary.
“I am honored to continue serving the Sendera Ranch community and to build on the strong foundation already in place,” she said. “Our team is committed to ensuring every student is supported, challenged and inspired to succeed each day.”
Kerley has served as assistant principal at Peterson Elementary for the last four years and spent another four years in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD as an assistant principal. Before entering into an administrative role, she was a teacher for 11 years.
“I am honored to join the Carter Elementary community and serve its students, staff and families,” Kerley said. “I look forward to building strong relationships and working together to ensure every student is supported and successful.”
