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Waco ISD Announces New Principals

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon is pleased to announce that she has selected Alonzo W. McAdoo Jr. as the next principal of University High School. McAdoo has served as an educator at Waco ISD for more than a decade, beginning as a social studies teacher and coach at University Middle School in 2008. He moved to Waco High School as an assistant principal in 2013 and served as principal of G.W Carver from 2014 to 2018. Most recently, McAdoo held the position of principal of Cesar Chavez Middle School.

“Principal McAdoo was the clear choice for this position. He has eight years of experience as a campus administrator and is familiar with the community and students. When you look at his history in the community, knowledge, and experience, you understand that he encompasses exactly what University High School needs in a leader,” Kincannon said. 

McAdoo was honored as a University Middle School Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012.  He excels at classroom management, behavior, instructional strategies, and building relationships. A graduate of University High School, McAdoo is returning to familiar ground.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead my high school alma mater. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan. As the current principal of Cesar Chavez Middle School, I have built a rapport with many of the students that eventually attend University High School,” said McAdoo.  “I look forward to building positive relationships with each student, parent, community member, teacher, and staff member of the University High School family.”

“This is a natural progression for McAdoo as he has led Cesar Chavez Middle School, a University High feeder school, through one of the toughest times in education,” stated Kincannon. “McAdoo has a stable, calm demeanor that will be an asset as students and staff attempt to establish a new post-pandemic normal.” 

 

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon is pleased to announce that she has selected Sterlin McGruder as the next principal of Waco High School. McGruder has served as an administrator in education for 19 years, with a total of 23 years in the education field. He spent many of those years in Grand Prairie Independent School District. Most recently, McGruder held the position of principal of Northeast Early College High School for Austin Independent School District.

“Principal McGruder is an experienced campus administrator. With nearly 20 years of experience in public school leadership, he has served at all levels. I’m impressed with his leadership ability and the strong knowledge and understanding of advanced academic programs that he brings in the role of Waco High School principal. His unique experience leading an all-boys academy and his desire to continue serving as a campus principal demonstrates his commitment and passion for youth.” Kincannon said. 

McGruder has been honored with many awards, including the PTA Life Time Achievement Award in 2005 and Principal of an Exemplary School in 2007. He was Principal of a Recognized School from 2008 through 2012 and received the Andrew Young Boy Scouts of America Award in 2016. 

“I am so excited about the opportunity to lead Waco High School students through the most pivotal time in their lives. My goal is to build upon the sense of community that already exists. I believe that school is not just a space for learning, but a place where dreams are born,” said McGruder. “Being new to the Waco area, my priority will be to build relationships with the community, staff members, and most importantly with the parents and students of the Waco High School family.”

“McGruder is a great fit for Waco High School. We look forward to him joining the Waco ISD team,” stated Kincannon.

 

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon is pleased to announce that she has selected the following individuals to serve as principal or dean on campuses across the district. These schools include Mountainview Elementary, Cesar Chavez Middle School, Dean Highland Elementary, Cedar Ridge PDS Elementary, and the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA). 

Ms. Cari Detlefsen, Mountainview Elementary principal, comes to Waco ISD from West ISD. She has been in the education field for 12 years, beginning her career as a middle school math teacher. Principal Detlefsen has seven years of service as an administrator. Her professional history includes a range of experience from an elementary school principal to district administration.

Pedro Hernandez will serve as the principal of Cesar Chavez Middle School. Hernandez presently serves as the assistant principal at the Travis Science Academy in Temple, TX. He is bilingual and has both middle school and high school experience. Hernandez earned a Master of Education degree from Concordia University in Austin, TX. 

Dean Highland Principal Sharina Hubbard is coming to Waco ISD from Killeen ISD. She currently serves as an assistant principal at Killeen High School. Hubbard has been in the education field for 10 years, which includes experience in elementary, middle, and high school. Hubbard was recognized as Belton ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015.  

Erin Lange has been selected as the Cedar Ridge PDS Elementary principal. She has held the position of assistant principal on the campus since 2015.  Given her 15 years’ experience working with students and staff, Lange has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the position.  She has received many awards and grants, including the ESC Region 12 Innovative Technology grant in 2022, Cooper Foundation grant in 2020, and an Education Foundation grant in 2008 and 2019. 

The Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA) will be under new leadership for the 2022-2023 school year. Mathew Rambo will assume the role of dean. Rambo began his career as the department head of aquatic science and a pre-AP and AP biology teacher at Waco High School in 2009. He has held an administrative role with the district for 8 years. Rambo was recognized as the Waco ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2012. 

 “The fact that we were able to recruit and retain such a strong group of administrators is a testament to the hard work and progress that the district has accomplished,” said Kincannon.  Waco ISD is viewed as a desirable district to join, and we will work to maintain that status.  When I look at the experience and talent of this group individually, and collectively, I can’t help but feel hopeful about the future of the district.”

Meet the principal

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon is pleased to announce that she has selected the following individuals to serve as principals on campuses across the district. These schools include Tennyson Middle School, Lake Air Montessori Magnet, G.L. Wiley Opportunity Center, and West Avenue Elementary.

Rudy Valdez will serve as the Interim Principal for Tennyson Middle School. He retired from Fort Worth ISD in 2020 with 29 years of experience in public education. During that time, he was both an elementary and high school principal. Valdez also served as an interim assistant principal in Waco ISD during the 2021-2022 school year. He earned a Master of Educational Leadership degree from the University of Texas El Paso in 1995.

Christi Yourman will serve as the principal of Lake Air Montessori Magnet. Yourman presently serves as the assistant principal at Hewitt Elementary for Midway ISD.  Her experience includes classroom teaching and serving as a behavior coach. Yourman earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Tyler, TX.

West Avenue will be led by Bonnie Trammell. Currently, she is principal at Woodville Intermediate School for Woodville ISD. Trammell has been in the education field for eight years, five as an administrator. She earned a Master of Education in Administration degree from Tarleton State University.

John Weeks will serve as principal of the G.L. Wiley Opportunity Center. Weeks has been with the district for 20 years, most recently as principal of West Avenue.  He began his career as a math teacher and coach, and is experienced in both elementary and secondary education. Weeks was recognized as Waco High School Teacher of the Year in 2013.

“I continue to be amazed by the administrators we have in place to lead our district,” said Kincannon.  “This group is equipped with the knowledge and experience that will help us achieve our goals.  The Waco ISD team is strong, and we are looking forward to an amazing year as we build on the foundation we have established.”