Austin ISD is proud to welcome new leaders at Joslin, Linder, Pease and Ridgetop elementary schools, and Lanier Early College High School.
“Our principals are the leaders of 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.”
We welcome the following leaders to their respective campuses:
Chaolin Chang will serve as principal of Joslin Elementary School. Chang comes to AISD from Houston, where he was the principal of a Mandarin immersion magnet school for almost six years.
Prior to Houston, he served Austin ISD for 13 years as an assistant principal and special education teacher at Graham Elementary School.
“Becoming the principal at Joslin Elementary School means providing Joslin Jaguars a safe learning environment where learning can also be fun,” said Chang. “I will be the influencer who leads by example for students, parents, and staff, so that they can become life-long learners who continuously seek potential growths and also strengthen one’s weaknesses. Together, we can make “the coolest school in south Austin” the coolest school in all of Austin!”
Chang holds a master’s degree in education in special education from the University of Texas at Austin.
Stacy Foss is the new principal of Pease Elementary School. Foss has worked for AISD for four years, with her latest role as assistant principal at Maplewood Elementary School.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Pease Elementary community,” said Foss. I look forward to partnering with our teachers, students, and families as we build upon an amazing legacy and look toward the future.
Foss has a doctorate in curriculum, instruction and assessment from Walden University and master of science degree in education from Walden University.
Melissa Rodriguez will serve as the new principal of Linder Elementary School. Rodriguez is currently the assistant principal of Oak Hill Elementary and has worked for AISD for 15 years.
She was a specialist at Govalle Elementary School for three years and taught third and fourth grades at Govalle Elementary School for 7 years.
“I am thrilled and honored to serve as the new principal of Dorothy Linder Elementary,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to meeting the wonderful staff, students, and families, and working together for continued student success.”
Rodriguez has a master of education degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kara Karam Schultz will lead the Ridgetop Elementary School.
Since 2012 she has been the assistant principal of Ridgetop. Schultz began her career at Ridgetop in 1996 as a bilingual teacher.
"Having had the privilege of being part of the Ridgetop family for the last 23 years, I am honored to be chosen as the new principal,” said Schultz. “I am proud of Ridgetop’s rich multi-cultural, biliterate and bilingual community and I look forward to continuing to grow with them”
Schultz holds a master’s degree in education in educational administration from Concordia University.
Steven Covin has been appointed the new principal of Lanier Early College High School.
Covin has been with AISD for 15 years and has been the interim principal since February. He has spent his entire career at Lanier beginning as an English teacher in 2004.
“I'm extremely honored to have been named the Principal of Lanier Early College High School,” said Covin. “It is my privilege to have the opportunity to lead the amazing Viking community that I have proudly been a part of for the past 15 years.”
Covin has a master of education degree in special education from Texas State University.