Kathy Kenney and Jana Cervantes are just beginning their new roles as leaders in the New Braunfels Independent School District.
Kenney, former Walnut Springs Elementary School principal, will take over as director of human resources for the district July 1, replacing Leigh Ann Dees who is retiring this summer.
Cervantes, who had been assistant principal at Smithson Valley Middle School in the Comal Independent School District since 2006, has been hired as the new WSES principal.
From 1990 to 2000, Kenney served as a second-, third- and fourth-grade teacher, as well as a multi-age teacher, in Fort Sam Houston Independent School District.
She joined North East Independent School District in 2000 as an assistant principal and has been principal at the WSES campus for the past five years.
Kenney, who has been a member of the Assistant Principal Reflective Practice Cohort of the Education Service Center 20 Leadership Assessment Center and a fellow at the Trinity University for the Enhancement of Teaching, said she’s ready for the new opportunities being director of human resources will bring.
“I look forward to broadening my experiences and I’m excited to continue learning and helping to make NBISD be the best experience for parents, students and staff,” Kenney said. “I think my 19 years of experience, nine of which are in administration, will be beneficial to this position where I will still be working with students and their families. I will miss everyone at WSES, but I'm ready for this new opportunity.”
Cervantes received her principal certification from the University of Texas in San Antonio and her superintendent certification from A&M University at Kingsville.
She also worked as a TAKS coordinator at Judson Independent School District, a teacher and coach in the Harlandale Independent School District and a teacher in the Seguin Independent School District.
Cervantes said she is excited to form a bond with the students, parents and staff at WSES.
“I think the key to a successful school is communication,” Cervantes said. “It's important that everyone has the same team goals. My favorite things about education are being able to see students achieve goals and success. It's an enlightening field where you're always learning.”
NBISD Superintendent Mike Smith said Cervantes is a perfect match not only for NBISD, but the staff and students at WSES.
“The staff at Walnut Springs told me they were looking for a caring, energetic, honest, child-centered leader for their campus,” said Smith. “I believe we have found that person in Jana Cervantes.”
