New leadership sweeps over Nacogdoches ISD with 4 new principals

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) — Nacogdoches ISD is entering a new era of leadership, as four skilled and familiar faces take on principal roles to continue strengthening and supporting the education of the students.

In July, the Nacogdoches school district announced that four campuses, including the high school, will be under the leadership of new principals this upcoming school year.

At Nacogdoches High School, the home of the dragons, longtime educator Shawn Lucena will be taking over as the next principal, with a focus on preparing students for success after graduating with the CTE program.

“The focus is student learning,” Lucena said. “Everything that we do – extra-curriculars, certifications – will be gauged by that.”

Lucena has been directly involved in the Career and Technical Education Department for the past two years as the director, working to make student achievement in the classroom a cornerstone at the school. He’s been involved with the district for almost 20 years in many roles, including as a teacher and assistant principal.

In the elementary campuses, Melinda Wiebold was named the Emeline Carpenter school and Tammy Pankratz is back at Mike Moses.

Wiebald has shown a streak of success in Nacogdoches in her previous role as the principal of Fredonia Elementary. In six years, she raised the campus from a low-performing score to a B rating from the Texas Education Agency.

“I’m thrilled to be back on campus and look forward to a great year at Carpenter,” Wiebold said. “We’ve got a great facility, great staff and students who can do exceptional work, and I’m grateful to be a part of that for the new year.”

Over at Mike Moses, Pankratz returns as principal, bringing experience as an administrator and executive director. She’s familiar with the campus as an alum and her extensive career with the school in many different roles.

“Tammy Pankratz has an extensive background in school and district administration, and I’m excited for her to be back at Mike Moses Elementary,” Nacogdoches ISD Superintendent Grey Burton said. “Her expertise and knowledge as an educator will be a benefit to the students and staff at Mike Moses Elementary.”

Margie Chumbley Academy for Success will be led by Tena Hill, who is transitioning from her assistant principal role after former principal James Adams was named assistant superintendent of the district.

Hill has decades of experience in education, with the last 16 years working with the school district. From teacher to principal, Hill is a great fit for the campus, the district said.

“She’s been there supporting the students and staff at the school,” Burton said. “Ms. Hill has a love and appreciation for the students at Margie Chumbley and will continue the progress already being made there.”