San Antonio ISD has announced 13 new campus administrators for the 2020-2021 school year. Please welcome the following principals:

Baskin Elementary School - Yvonne Martinez, Principal

Yvonne Martinez is a servant leader who has had the honor of serving the SAISD community for 17 years and is now the proud principal of Baskin Elementary. Throughout her professional career Ms. Martinez has served as an elementary teacher, curriculum instructional coordinator, assistant principal, associate principal, and principal. She was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Antonian College Preparatory High School. Ms. Martinez received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in early childhood education and her master’s degree in educational leadership from UTSA. It is her belief that all children can achieve at high levels by empowering and growing teachers, partnering with parents, families, staff, and community members to work toward a common goal of student success. Ms. Martinez is a lifelong learner who has a passion for teaching and learning.

Brewer Academy - Keli Mullins, Principal

Keli Mullins is the proud principal of Brewer Academy in SAISD. Ms. Mullins has 17 years of experience in education and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Houston area and San Antonio. She brings a well-versed background in special education, discipline management, and overall campus leadership. Ms. Mullins is known for her strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and good rapport with staff, students, and parents. She believes both parental and community involvement along with a staff that possess a growth mindset, are essential to a successful learning environment.
Ms. Mullins graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California. She relocated to Texas and attended the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology-educational science. She also holds a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University, and a Master of Arts degree in counseling. Ms. Mullins is looking to begin her Doctoral studies in the near future.

When speaking with her staff they state, “Ms. Mullins brings an energy, enthusiasm, and passion for pursuing excellence. She promotes a school culture where students flourish and staff are eager to create a professional learning community.”  

Ms. Mullins’ passion for the “struggling student” is simply contagious. She believes a social and emotional component implemented into the daily schedule is a must when educating students in the 21st Century. Ms. Mullins has worked with special populations and students that struggle with behavior issues. Her years of experience working in Title I campuses has given her a first-hand experience of the needs, the challenges and most importantly the triumphs. Ms. Mullins has an active involvement in her community, church, and sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Burbank High School - Irene Talamantes, Principal

Irene Talamantes is honored to be selected as the new principal for Luther Burbank High School. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where she graduated from Coronado High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree at University of Texas at El Paso and earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University. Ms. Talamantes has been serving the SAISD community as an educator and later as an administrator since 1998. She began her teaching career at Wheatley Middle School and then transitioned into the role of an assistant principal first at Whittier Middle School and then Burbank High School. Most recently, Ms. Talamantes served as the principal at Whittier Middle School, where for the past two years, the school has earned and maintained a B rating and has earned several TEA distinctions. Ms. Talamantes believes that building relationships with students and parents is the foundation of student achievement.  

Davis Middle School - Dr. Hugo Saucedo, Principal

Dr. Hugo Saucedo began his career with SAISD in 1998 as a social studies teacher at Sam Houston High School. He taught social studies at four SAISD high schools over a span of almost a decade, (Sam Houston, Lanier, Burbank, and Brackenridge). Additionally, Dr. Saucedo served as assistant principal at two campuses, Page Middle School and Rhodes Middle School. Most recently Dr. Saucedo served as the principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School where in the 2018-2019 school year, the campus earned a B rating and a TEA distinction in Post Secondary Readiness. Dr. Saucedo is a proud graduate of the Thomas Jefferson High School class of 1994. His experience at Jeff inspired him to become an educational leader and to earn a doctorate degree in educational leadership from UTSA in 2016. Dr. Saucedo believes firmly in Freire’s philosophy of education, which is rooted in humility and the belief that we must ignite a passion for learning in our students.

Franklin Elementary School - Jennifer Adan, Principal

Jennifer Adan and her family are from Eagle Pass, Texas. She moved to San Antonio to pursue her education in elementary instruction. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from UTSA in 2010. Adan then went on to earn a Masters of Education in school leadership and policy study from Trinity University. Since entering education, Adan has been dedicated to our SAISD community. She began her career as a kindergarten student teacher at Bonham Academy. She then became a fifth grade teacher at Smith Elementary as she continued in her endeavors to become an administrator. In 2016, Adan served Rhodes Middle School as an administrative intern and implementation specialist. In 2018, Adan was promoted to assistant principal at Madison Elementary. She is now the proud Principal at Franklin Elementary, a dual language school in SAISD. Adan leads with passion and energy. She works to ensure that students and staff are supported and treated with respect. Her educational philosophy is based on her belief that all students can achieve at high levels with quality instruction and a positive learning environment.  She embraces the Spanish language and culture and wants to bring the community, staff and students together at Franklin Elementary.

Hawthorne Academy - Valerie Walker, Principal

Valerie Walker is the proud principal of Hawthorne Academy in SAISD.  Ms. Walker has 16 years of experience in Texas education both as a teacher and a campus administrator. In fact, she has been an assistant principal for elementary, middle and high school, and she has also opened three new school school facilities. Over the course of her administrative career, Walker has earned the reputation of being relentless in her pursuit of providing the excellence in education our students deserve. Walker was born in Tyler, Texas. She graduated from Lindale High School, has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Walker is determined to ensure all students have an opportunity to learn in the best environments from the best educators. She passionately believes education equalizes future opportunities, and her role as Lead Learner and Lead Inspirer is to ensure each student has equitable access to a high-quality education.

Highlands High School - Dr. Penny Pruitt, Principal

Dr. Penny Pruitt is honored to serve as the new principal at Highlands High School. She was born in Colorado and raised in northern New Mexico. Dr. Pruitt earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Arizona, a Master of Arts in history from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Science in education administration from Texas A & M University, Kingsville, and a Doctorate of Education from UTSA. Dr. Pruitt is beginning her 28th year in education. She began her teaching career in New Mexico prior to moving to Texas in 1996 and transitioned into the administrative role at Northside ISD 16 years ago by serving as assistant principal, vice principal, and academic dean.  She also spent two years as the Early College High School principal in Southside prior to moving to Highlands High School three years ago as associate principal.  
During her three years at Highlands, she has seen a change in culture. Students are positive about their education and learning experiences, and they are excited about their post-high school opportunities. Dr. Pruitt is excited to continue the upward trend of the academic growth at Highlands High School by increasing opportunities for all students to have access to rigorous courses, maintaining and instruction driven focus at the campus, and preparing students for post-secondary life. Dr. Pruitt believes that building relationships with students and their families is the key to success.

Hirsch Elementary School - Erika Persaud, Principal

Erika Persaud is an enthusiastic professional that believes in enhancing educators' capacity to develop strong leadership and instructional practices. For the past seven years, Persaud has proudly served in SAISD as a teacher, science implementation specialist and instructional dean. Prior to SAISD, she gained diverse learning experiences while working in Lewisville, Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Sinton ISDs. She holds a bachelor's degree in advertising/public relations and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Angelo State University. Persaud is now honored to serve as principal of Herman Hirsch Elementary and work alongside so many dedicated and passionate individuals. Go Huskies! Collectively, she believes the Hirsch team will positively shape the lives of all students and prepare them to succeed as productive citizens within an ever changing society.   

Knox Early Childhood Education Center - Raymond Macias, Principal

Raymond Macias is proud to return to SAISD to work for the students and families of Knox Early Childhood Education Center. He brings to the incredible Knox faculty and staff his enthusiasm for student growth and to the profession. Macias has had a varied background in education over the last 13 years. He began his career as a special education instructional assistant for post-high school students. He enjoyed his work with students with special needs and became a Lifestrides teacher at Poe Middle School. He also taught in the Behavior Mastery Center environment and Collaborative classrooms within Northside ISD. Macias served as the vice principal at Paul W. Ott Elementary and principal at Patricia J. Blattman in Northside ISD. 
Macias was raised in San Antonio and graduated from O’Connor High School. Macias earned his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas San Antonio. He earned his Masters of Education in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Macias firmly believes that an early start is vital for learners and all students deserve the opportunity to learn at high levels. 

Rodriguez Montessori Elementary School - Alicia Craig, Principal

Alicia Craig is a native of San Antonio. She attended schools in North East ISD and Judson ISD, becoming an honor student and proud graduate of the 1991 class of Judson High School. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) earning a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies specializing in early childhood education, and later received her Master of Science in educational management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Craig started her career in Judson ISD as a teacher. She relocated to Houston and served in various roles such as mentor teacher, summer coordinator, professional development trainer, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, principal, and Dyslexia Lead, North Area Schools. Craig was recognized as campus Teacher of the Year three times and Outstanding Magnet Instructor two times. As Dyslexia Lead, she received the Excellence in Leadership Award in 2018 and 2019. Craig is entering her 26th year in education, and is a passionate educational leader committed to creating generations of global graduates. She believes leaders and teachers are facilitators of learning who are charged with cultivating the minds of our students. 

Rogers Academy - Zada Fowler, Principal

Zada Fowler is a transformational leader with a deep sense of purpose and an intense desire to ensure students receive support and nurturing, and an engaging, rigorous educational experience.  With 22 years of educational experience spanning elementary, middle and high school, she believes that social-emotional learning is an essential part of reaching and teaching the whole child. She graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station with her Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism and began teaching middle and high school English and journalism in Marion ISD, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and Southwest ISD respectively. Upon graduating from UTSA, Fowler was an assistant principal in Southwest ISD until becoming part of the SAISD family in 2016 as an instructional leadership coordinator in the Office of School Leadership, where she supported over 40 campuses districtwide. Most recently, Fowler served as the interim principal at Will Rogers Academy. She believes whole-heartedly in the power of unity and builds relationships with both staff and students to reach the ultimate goal of student success! It is her belief that ALL students CAN and WILL learn.  

Sam Houston High School - Sharene Dixon, Principal

Sharene Dixon is the proud principal of Sam Houston High School. She has 21 years of experience in education and has served in many capacities including English teacher, curriculum writer, instructional coach, director of educator effectiveness, assistant principal, associate principal at Sam Houston High School and principal at S.J. Davis Middle School. During her two years at Davis Middle School, there was an increase in culture, academics, parental involvement and Pride.
She earned a bachelor's degree in English education, a master’s degree in curriculum instruction design and leadership and she is currently working on her Ph.D in educational leadership. Originally a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania via Maryland, her family moved to San Antonio 14 years ago. As the saying goes, “She may not be a native of Texas, but she got here as fast as she could.”
She is looking forward to an amazing school year of relationship building, academic and personal growth, challenges, accomplishments and making each day a positive experience for every student. She believes that building relationships with students and parents is the foundation of student achievement. Dixon is ecstatic to work with such an amazing community with such deep dignity and commitment to our students. We are the Pride of the East Side! Please feel free to contact me and introduce yourself via email. Together we make the difference! GO MIGHTY HURRICANES!!!

Sarah King Elementary School - Ms. Melody Clay, Principal

Melody Clay is a San Antonio native and strongly dedicated to the SAISD community. She started her career in middle school, first at Twain and then Connell Middle school. She then transitioned to Forbes Academy where she served as the campus implementation specialist before taking on the role of assistant principal. Clay earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from UTSA. She completed the McNeil Educational Foundation for Ecumenical Leadership’s 21st Century Leadership Principal Preparation program in 2018.  
Clay is incredibly excited and honored to be the new principal of Sarah King Elementary School. She views the ideal school environment as a welcoming and safe place where students can learn, grow and thrive socially, emotionally and academically. She looks forward to building strong partnerships with parents and the Sarah King community.

Whittier Middle School - Dr. Armando Gallegos, Principal

Dr. Armando Gallegos has been dedicated to the field of education for more than 20 years.  He has worked with students in grades 6-12 in a variety of roles. He started as a substitute teacher before becoming a high school Spanish teacher, the head of a foreign language department, baseball and football coach, high school assistant principal, middle school principal and interim high school principal.  Most recently, he has served as a director in the Office of Transportation in El Paso ISD. Very quickly he realized how much he missed the students and all the action of the schools. Dr. Gallegos is thrilled to bring his skills as an educational leader to Whittier Middle School and to work with all stakeholders as a partner in education to ensure students' success.  
Dr. Gallegos holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso; he majored in Spanish with a minor in education. He has a master's degree in educational leadership also from UTEP. In the summer of 2017, he completed his doctoral program defending his dissertation “Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Middle School 50/50 Dual Language Program.” He earned an Educational Doctorate in ESL in July 2017. 
“It is my desire to work in a capacity that will allow me to serve as a proponent of academic success through college readiness, teacher collaboration and fostering strong relationships with all community stakeholders.”