Recently Assigned Hisd Principals

RECENTLY ASSIGNED HISD PRINCIPALS

We are pleased to announce the following new school principals for Burbank, Durham, Scarborough and Wesley Elementary Schools, and Barbara Jordan and Empowerment College Preparatory High Schools.

Burbank Elementary School —Principal Diego Calderón Diego Calderón started his career with Galena Park in 2000 as a classroom teacher. In 2009, Mr. Calderón was named assistant principal at Stephens Elementary School in the Aldine ISD, where he served for four years.

Mr. Calderón earned his bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and master’s degree in English Literature from the Universidad de Extremadura, Spain. He earned his Educational Leadership Certification from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Durham Elementary School—Principal Angie Sugarek Angie Sugarek began her career as an elementary special education teacher in Austin ISD (AISD). She held a number of positions in AISD including teacher, instructional specialist and assistant principal. Since moving to Houston in 2007, Ms. Sugarek has taught math and science at Hogg Middle School and has supported the implementation of the Teacher Appraisal and Development System as an employee of The New Teacher Project. She currently serves as the dean of instruction at McReynolds Middle School.

Ms. Sugarek earned her Bachelor of Science degree in History from Eastern New Mexico University and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin.

Scarborough Elementary School—Principal Miriam Medina Miriam Medina has been a member of Team HISD for 27 years. She currently works as Performance and Continuous Improvement Manager under Human Resources. Prior to this position, Miriam was a teacher development specialist working with the Apollo elementary schools. She supported teachers in their professional development by collaborating with them directly in their classrooms while assisting them in implementing best practices.

Ms. Medina graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and she holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of Saint Thomas.

Wesley Elementary School —Principal Rhonda LeDuff Rhonda LeDuff has been a member of Team HISD since 1998. Currently, she is the Dean of Instruction at Clifton Middle School. She has also served Team HISD as an assistant principal at Hogg and Ryan Middle Schools, science content specialist for grades 6–12, and an education program manager for Science grades Prekindergarten–12.

Ms. LeDuff earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Southern University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University.

Barbara Jordan High School —Principal John “Ross” McAlpine John “Ross” McAlpine started his career in the auto parts industry performing chemical tests in the production process. He obtained his teaching credentials and started his journey in the education sector. He served as a chemistry teacher at Spring Woods High School in Spring Branch ISD. During this time, he was an early innovator of technology in the classroom and was honored as Teacher of the Year. Mr. McAlpine joined HISD as Dean of Students at Westside High School, leading a small learning community of 600 students and expanding the HCC dual credit program. Mr. McAlpine next served as the Director of Science for Secondary Schools in El Paso ISD, then became the principal of Morehead Middle School where he has served since 2008. He returns to Team HISD excited to join the strong team at Barbara Jordan High School for Careers to embrace the community and prepare students to excel in 21st century work.

Mr. McAlpine earned a B.S. in Chemistry and his teaching credentials in Mathematics and Chemistry from Michigan State University. He holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Houston.

Empowerment College Preparatory High School —Principal Steven Gourrier Steven Gourrier is an educator with 18 years experience, who began his educational career as an intervention specialist in Galveston ISD. He has worked as a Physical Education teacher, a Special Education Inclusion and Resource teacher, and an assistant principal. He joined Team HISD in 2009 when he was accepted into the Aspiring Principals Institute as a principal intern at Challenge Early College High School. Since then he has served as an assistant principal at two of our Apollo schools: Sharpstown High School and Ryan Middle School.

Mr. Gourrier holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science degree in Educational Management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.