YISD announces appointment of new administrators
The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of new principals at two campuses – Scotsdale and Thomas Manor elementary schools – as well as new in-house counsel at Central Office.
Sheri Pellicote, current assistant principal at Eastwood Knolls International School, is the new principal at Scotsdale Elementary School, effective July 25. Pellicote replaces former Scotsdale ES Principal Beth Harbison, who is now principal at Desertaire Elementary School. A 23-year veteran in education, Pellicote began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Pasodale Elementary School. She later taught second, fifth, and sixth grades, and served as an assistant principal within the Ysleta and San Elizario school districts. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Sandra Valdez, current principal of Blanco Vista Elementary School in Kyle, Texas, is the new principal of Thomas Manor Elementary School, effective July 18. Valdez replaces former Thomas Manor ES Principal Sandra Oxner, who retired. Valdez, who graduated from Eastwood High School, began her career in 2000 as a fourth-grade bilingual teacher in the Socorro Independent School District, and later went on to serve as an assistant principal and principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree from UTEP.
At Central Office, Susan Austin has been promoted from grant specialist to YISD in-house counsel, effective July 12. Austin, a licensed Texas attorney since 1983, has previously worked as executive director of the El Paso Coalition for the Homeless; an independent consultant and grant writer; and business bankruptcy attorney and law firm partner. Austin was also elected to represent District 1 on the El Paso City Council from 2003-2005. Austin earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in Massachusetts and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston-Law Center in Houston.