New Principal – Lockhart Elementary
Ms. Monica Cooper has been selected to serve as the next principal at Lockhart Elementary.
Ms. Cooper began her career with Houston ISD in 1997 as a classroom teacher at Lockhart.
Ms. Cooper was accepted into HISD’s Bridge Academy for aspiring school leaders in 2006.
After developing and sharpening her leadership skills, she was appointed Assistant Principal of
Lockhart Elementary in 2009.
Ms. Cooper attended University of Houston and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration
in Accounting and a Master’s of Education Degree in Educational Leadership.
New Principal – Lanier Middle School
Mrs. Felicia Adams has been selected as the next principal at Lanier Middle School. Mrs. Adams
is currently serving as the principal of Lockhart Elementary. Prior to this position, she served as
Reading Manager in the Curriculum Department. Mrs. Adams began her educational career in
HISD 19 years ago, first as a classroom teacher then promoted to filling positions as a Reading
Teacher Trainer, Instructional Supervisor and Lead Supervisor.
Mrs. Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Louisiana State
University. She earned a master’s degree in education administration from the Texas Southern
University.
New Principal – High School Ahead Academy
Ms. Yolanda S. Jones has been selected as the new principal for High School Ahead Academy,
where she is currently serving as an assistant principal. Prior to this position, Ms. Jones was a
Parent Engagement Coordinator for the District. She also served in the educational arena as a
Consistency Management and Cooperative Discipline Coordinator for the University of Houston
and Project GRAD. Ms. Jones began her career twenty years ago in Dickinson I.S.D. as an ESL
and Spanish Teacher.
Ms. Jones obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Educational
Leadership from Prairie View A& M University.
New Principal – Dowling Middle School
Ms. Tynette Guinn has been selected to be the next principal at Dowling Middle School. She is a
proud graduate of the Houston ISD. She attended Pleasantville Elementary, Holland Middle
School and graduated from High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. She joined
Team HISD at Holland Middle School as the Teacher Technologist. Then she served as
Assistance Principal. In 2011, Ms. Guinn was named Principal at High School Ahead Academy
where she is currently serving.
Ms. Guinn attended Prairie View A&M University receiving her BA in Business Administration with
a Minor in Computer Information System. She received her master's degree in Educational
Management from University of Houston-Clear Lake
New School Support Officer – Elementary School Office Area 3
Mr. Cesar Martinez has been selected to serve as a new School Support Officer. Mr. Martinez
comes to HISD with 17 years of experience in education where he has demonstrated strong
instructional leadership on the local, regional, and state levels. Mr. Martinez began his career in
Brownsville, Texas as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Mr. Martinez then worked as
an Educational Specialist at the Region XIII Education Service Center in Austin. Mr. Martinez
most recently held a Coordinator of School Leadership position in Dallas ISD where he supported
the improvement of student performance, quality instruction, culture and climate of 41 elementary,
middle, and high schools.
Mr. Martinez received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas in Austin, his Masters
of Education degree at the University of Texas in Brownsville, and is currently enrolled in his
Doctorate of Education at the University of Texas in Austin and is expected to complete his degree
in 2015.