Austin ISD is proud to welcome new leaders at Cook Elementary School, Murchison Middle School, and LBJ and Travis Early College High Schools.
“Our principals are the leaders of their school communities, and I know our schools are in great hands with our new principals,” said Superintendent Paul Cruz. “I look forward to seeing their positive impact on students, families and staff.”
Priscilla Sanchez Emamian will serve as principal of Cook Elementary School. Sanchez Emamian has been with Austin ISD for five years, most recently serving as assistant principal at Overton Elementary School.
“I'm excited to be the new principal of Cook Elementary and join the school as a proud Croc,” Sanchez Emamian said. “I'm looking forward to meeting all the families and working together with Cook's amazing faculty and staff.”
Sanchez Emamian holds a master’s degree in education in educational leadership from Texas State University.
Trustees appointed Beth Newton as the new principal of Murchison Middle School. Newton has worked for AISD for 18 years, with her latest role as principal at Hill Elementary School. Newton has also served as interim principal at Murchison since February.
“I am excited to grow my experience within the Anderson Vertical Team by leading Murchison Middle School,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting to know our students and families even more as we move forward.” Newton has a master’s of education in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Tracilynn Wright will serve as the new principal of LBJ Early College High School. Wright is currently the district’s director of alternative education at the Alternative Learning Center, and worked as the administrative supervisor for the AISD middle schools office from 2014–17.
"As the new principal of the LBJ Early College High School, I am both humbled and honored to serve all members of this mighty Northeast Austin community. This dynamic learning community is filled with pride, a rich cultural history and a passion for our greatest asset—our children."
Wright is working on her doctorate of education in educational administration, as well as her superintendent certification from Concordia University.
Trustees appointed Christina Steele to lead Travis Early College High School. Steele has worked for AISD for 13 years, with her most recent role as interim principal at Travis. She previously also served as the school’s academic director.
“I know anyone would be proud to be principal of Travis Early College High School, but there is no one who can be more proud than me, because I know what amazing talent there is at Travis Early College High School,” said Steele.
Steele holds a master’s degree in education in educational leadership and policy studies from UT Arlington.