News Summary
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has revealed significant changes in school leadership, including the appointment of new principals at Madison High School, Red Elementary, and Mark White Elementary. These changes follow a state takeover and result in at least 21 principal exits, aiming to enhance governance and improve educational outcomes. The district emphasizes a commitment to leadership stability amid these adjustments, with ongoing efforts to cultivate future leaders and strengthen school performance.
Houston, TX – Houston Independent School District (HISD) has announced significant leadership changes across various schools, including Madison High School, Jones Futures Academy, and Red Elementary School. This is part of a broader shake-up that has resulted in at least 21 principal departures within the district, reflecting ongoing adjustments in school management following a state takeover.
Janet Orozco, with ten years of experience at HISD, has been appointed the new principal of Madison High School, replacing Edgar Contreras. Contreras became the third principal of Madison since the state takeover of the district in June 2023, but his future role within the district remains unclear. Orozco previously held leadership positions including principal at Ripley House Charter, dean of instruction at East Early College High School, and assistant principal at Austin High School.
LaFoscia Maxie has been promoted at Red Elementary School, with a new principal, LaDale Lofton, stepping in from his former position as assistant principal at Shearn Elementary School. Meanwhile, Mark White Elementary School has welcomed Courtney Riley-Edwards as its new principal. Riley-Edwards previously served as assistant principal at Revere Middle School and was part of a “principal apprentice” program aimed at developing future leaders within the district.
The changes at Mark White Elementary are notable, particularly because of the school’s unique French dual language program. The previous principal, Eric Whitten, will transition to a new leadership role within HISD, continuing his commitment to support the district’s overall success.
Of the 21 principal exits confirmed, five were related to performance issues, 11 resulted from reassignment or promotion, and five were for personal reasons. HISD has not released a complete list of affected schools, although other campuses experiencing leadership changes include Fleming Middle School, Wheatley High School, Burbank Middle School, and Field Elementary School.
The district highlighted that the mid-year turnover of principals has decreased compared to previous years. HISD requested a ruling from the Texas Attorney General in response to a public information request for further details on the departing principals.
Since the state takeover of HISD, there have been a total of 177 principal changes across 156 campuses. This turnover includes many leaders classified as “principal apprentices,” a strategy initiated by HISD’s state-appointed Superintendent, Mike Miles, to cultivate leadership within the district.
The announced changes are part of an ongoing effort by HISD to enhance school performance and leadership stability amid oversight from state authorities. The adjustments not only reflect the district’s strategy to improve educational outcomes but also signal a commitment to providing effective governance in the wake of recent challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas Education Commissioner Praises HISD Progress
Heights High School Dismisses Students Early Due to AC Failures
HISD Community Forum Highlights Principal Dismissals
U.S. Department of Education Cuts Workforce Amid Funding Concerns
Houston Business Leaders Demand Educational Accountability
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Whidby Foster Peck Principal Changes
- Wikipedia: How to Be a Good Principal
- MSN: HISD Announces 21 Principal Departures
- Google Search: Houston Independent School District
- Houston Chronicle: HISD Principal Departures Announced
- Google Scholar: Education Leadership
- Houston Chronicle: HISD State Takeover Next Steps
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Leadership
- Houston Chronicle: Principals Leaving Madison, Jones
- Google News: HISD School Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
