Katy ISD names new principals

Katy ISD has appointed Lori Maurer as principal at Morton Ranch Elementary, Genevieve Lopardo at Seven Lakes Junior High and Lizzie Herring at Mayde Creek High School.

“All three principals have a wealth of experience and have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to teaching and learning,” Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD superintendent, said. “They are dedicated to ensuring every student can reach their full academic potential.”

Maurer has 11 years of educational experience, all in Katy ISD. She began her career as a math/science looping teacher in 2013 at WoodCreek Elementary. Her methods of developing engaging lesson plans were quickly noticed as she became a math/science instructional coach in 2016. Throughout her Katy ISD career, she worked with students and staff to promote positive attitudes toward school programs while helping to create and maintain an encouraging culture at her campus.

Maurer’s leadership experience consists of serving as assistant principal at Mayde Creek Elementary (2019-21), Katy ISD Summer Academic Term (KSAT-Summer 2021) and Rhoads Elementary School (August 2021-present). These roles prepared Maurer for her first principal role which took place last summer in the KSAT. She will assume her new role on June 15 and will be replacing Deborah Hubble who was recently named assistant superintendent for elementary school leadership. Maurer a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston-Victoria.

“I am excited to begin building relationships with the Morton Ranch Elementary family,” Maurer said. “Our relationships will create a campus community and culture that is centered on a safe and positive environment in which students can explore, be creative and become lifelong learners.”

Lopardo has 22 years of experience in education. She began her career as a band director in 2001 at Briarhill Middle School in Lewisville ISD. Six years later she joined Pearland ISD as a counselor at Sam Jamison Middle School. As a counselor, she worked closely with the Anti-Defamation League to implement a “No Place for Hate” program as well as an anti-bullying program for both students and staff.

In 2011, she joined Katy ISD as a testing facilitator, training over 200+ staff members on TAKS, STAAR, EOC, AP, PSAT and TELPAS testing. She took on her first leadership role at Seven Lakes Junior High as assistant principal in 2013. During her eight years there, she implemented various programs and initiatives at the campus that built upon the culture of the campus. Many of these projects have continued to this day. Her next leadership role began in 2021 at Seven Lakes High School. There, Lopardo served as an assistant principal as well as senior administrator for 860+ graduating seniors.

Lopardo will be returning to Seven Lakes Junior High, this time as principal, beginning June 19. Lopardo holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Texas Christian University, a master’s degree in school counseling from school counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria and a doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University.

“Building relationships with students, staff and the community is critical to the success of a school,” Lopardo said. “I have spent ten years with the Seven Lakes community, and I look forward to working with Spartan families to build a solid foundation of trust so that all stakeholders have a voice.”

Herring has a 22-year career in education. She began her love for teaching in August 2001 at Sartartia Middle School in Fort Bend ISD as a life skills teacher. In 2006 she transitioned to Travis High School where she was Special Education Department Chair, followed by two promotional roles as assistant principal and associate principal. During the summer of 2011, she was given the opportunity to serve as the Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) principal at Cornerstone Elementary School, where she coordinated summer programs for elementary special education students.

In November 2019, Herring joined Katy ISD as an assistant principal at Mayde Creek High School. Four years later, her love for the Ram community earned her a spot as associate principal. It was then that she embarked on various initiatives including the implementation of the campus’ instructional program and the creation of a master schedule framework as the school transitions to a Title I campus.

Herring will be welcoming students back to school for the 2023-24 school year, this time as Mayde Creek principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education, with a concentration on special education, from Texas A&M University.  Additionally, she a principal certification from Concordia University.

“When I arrived at Mayde Creek High School in November 2019, it didn’t take me long to realize that it’s a special place,” Herring said. “I quickly understood why Ram Pride Never Dies. I am excited to continue building upon the foundation of Ram Pride in our pursuit of excellence.”

Katy ISD fine arts students commit to artistic journey with renowned colleges

Katy ISD announced that over 200 fine arts students have committed to continuing their post-secondary education in visual and performing arts. These students began their journey in the fine arts world while enrolled in one, or various, disciplines (art, dance, music and/or theater) offered at the district. Before the close of the school year, fine arts signing days took place at nine Katy ISD high schools, where distinguished institutions announced the student’s commitment to the visual and performing arts now at the collegiate level.

“These aspiring fine arts students are a testament that their hard work and creativity in the arts does pay off,” Damon Archer, Katy ISD fine arts executive director, said. “I would also like to applaud the fine arts teachers who provided a supportive learning environment and inspired these students to hone their artistic skills.”

Many signees also graduated in the Top 10 of their respective classes.

To see a list of students, visit the website, the abbreviated URL for which is bit.ly/3JfHOiv.

Student from Katy named to president’s honor roll at Missouri Western State University

Abby Bala of Katy has been named to the president’s honor role at Missouri Western State University.

Students who carried 12 hours or more for graded credit and earned a grade point average of 4.0 qualify for the honor at the school, which is in St. Joseph, Mo.