Ysleta ISD names new Associate Superintendents, Principal, Director
In preparation for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year, the Ysleta Independent School
District (YISD) is pleased to announce the selection of two Associate Superintendents, an Early
College High School Principal, and Central Office Director.
Louisa Aguirre-Baeza, current Interim Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction,
has been selected as the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Aguirre-Baeza
began her professional career in 1996 as an elementary teacher in the Socorro Independent School
District. During her tenure in education, she has served as director of academic language programs,
grant coordinator, curriculum and development consultant, assistant principal, college professor, and
bilingual teacher. Aguirre-Baeza received her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1996
and her Master's Degree in Education in 1999 both from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Daniel Martinez, current Interim Associate Superintendent of Public Relations, has been
selected as the Associate Superintendent of Public Relations. Martinez began his professional
career in 2013 as a journalist and weathercaster. During his tenure in media and public relations, he
has served as a graphic artist, producer, journalist, and communications specialist. Additionally,
Martinez served as an educator in the areas of video technology, journalism, English, and business
management. He received his Associate’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from El Paso Community
College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from New Mexico State University.
Penelope ‘Penny’ Bankston, current principal at Parkland High School, has been selected as
the principal of Valle Verde Early College High School effective July 1, 2021. Bankston began her
professional career in 1994 as an elementary teacher with the Alpine Independent School District.
During her professional career, Bankston has served as a high school principal, middle school
principal, high school assistant principal, instructional specialist, high school and middle school
reading teacher, and elementary teacher. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary
Studies and her Master’s Degree in Reading both from Sul Ross State University.
Paul Covey, current principal at Valle Verde Early College High School, has been selected as
the Director of State and Federal Programs effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Covey began his professional
career in 1989 as a government and economics teacher at Hanks High School. During his tenure
with YISD, he has served as a teacher, student activities director, assistant principal, and principal.
Paul received his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 1989 from the University of Texas
at Austin and his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in 1998 from the University of Texas at
El Paso.