The Austin ISD Board of Trustees has appointed new principal appointments for six campuses at its April 27 Regular Voting Meeting. Guerrero-Thompson, McBee, Pecan Springs and Summitt elementary schools; Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy and LBJ Early College High School will all welcome new campus leaders.
Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School
The Board appointed Briana Garcia to serve as principal of Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School.
Garcia most recently served interim principal of Guerrero-Thompson since June and previously served the campus as an assistant principal for six years. Garcia has worked in Austin ISD since 2008.
"I am honored to be trusted to be the principal at Guerrero-Thompson," Garcia said. "It is a privilege to be able to work with our amazing students and staff to continue this journey to excellence that we began seven years ago. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities this new role will bring, and I know that working together will take us to new heights."
Garcia has a bachelor's degree in Mexican American studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in education from Concordia University.
McBee Elementary School
The Board appointed Yvette Celorio-Reyes to serve as the principal of McBee Elementary School.
Celorio-Reyes most recently served as interim principal at McBee since the beginning of the school year and previously served the campus as assistant principal for four years. She has a total of 22 years of education experience, including her serving as assistant principal at Webb Primary School. She is a previous bilingual teacher.
"It is a great honor and privilege to be able to work with such an amazing community," Celorio-Reyes said. "I will continue to work hard so that McBee Elementary is a place where staff and students want to come every day. Together, we will work hard to provide a positive school climate where teachers collaborate together and support none another's work, helping students to be successful."
Celorio-Reyes has a bachelor's degree in applied learning and development from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in educational administration from Lamar University.
Pecan Springs Elementary School
The Board appointed Andrea Williams to serve as principal of Pecan Springs Elementary School.
Williams most recently served assistant principal of Pillow Elementary School for one year. She previously served as an assistant principal at Casis, Barton Hills and Andrews elementary schools. Williams has worked in Austin ISD since 1998.
"It is with great pride and excitement to be appointed principal of Pecan Springs," Williams said. "I am both humbled and honored, not only for the opportunity to lead a school that has a rich history and legacy of academic excellence; but also, the school where I first began my educational career. I am proud to say that I have been part of the Austin ISD Family for more than 34 combined years as a student, teacher and leader."
Williams has a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Huston Tillotson University and a master's degree in multicultural special education from the University of Texas at Austin
Summitt Elementary School
The Board appointed Ariel Greco to serve as the principal of Summitt Elementary School.
Greco most recently served as assistant principal at Menchaca Elementary School for five years. She has a total of 12 years of education experience, all of which have been served in Austin ISD.
"I could not be more honored and excited to be the new principal of Summitt Elementary School and an official member of the Eagle family," Greco said. "Summitt has quickly become my second home and holds a special place in my heart that brings me connection and purpose. I am honored to be welcomed into this community and take great pride in leading Summitt towards continued success!"
Greco has a bachelor's degree in reading and English language arts from St. Edwards University and a master's degree in educational leadership administration from Tarleton State University.
Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy
The Board appointed Jose Mejia to serve as the principal of the Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy.
Mejia most recently served as principal at Zavala Elementary School for four years. He previously served as assistant principal at Brooke Elementary School and began his career as a fifth-grade teacher. He has a total of 13 years of education experience.
"I am excited to be appointed as the principal at Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy and to collaborate with our school community in fostering a sense of brotherhood," Mejia said. "As an all-boys school, we will continue to develop service-oriented problem-solvers that are career and life ready. It is an honor to contribute to the school's goals that align with our motto of 'boys yesterday, young men today, leaders tomorrow!'"
Mejia has a bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in educational administration from Lamar University, and currently pursuing a doctorate's degree from Concordia University in leadership.
LBJ Early College High School
The Board appointed Jon Bailey to serve as the principal of LBJ Early College High School.
Bailey most recently served as interim principal for LBJ ECHS. He has previously served as principal of Manor High School and assistant principal of the Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy. Bailey has 14 years of experience in education.
"I am honored and extremely excited to be selected as the principal of LBJ Early College High School," Bailey said. "I know the school is filled with an extensive history of school pride, and I enter this community with great respect for your pride, structures, systems and collective accomplishments over the years. LBJ Early College High School is a unique campus with excellent programs and activities that promote high student achievement, and my goal is to ensure a positive impact as we continue to excel in all areas full of Jaguar PRIDE!"
Bailey has a bachelor's degree in communications studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in educational leadership at the University of Texas at Arlington.