• Board Recognition Recap

    March 19, 2024

    During the regular scheduled meeting, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees invited students and staff to recognize their recent accomplishments at the district and state level. 

Staff Appointments

  • Billie Jean Lee, Principal of Plano West Senior High School

    Two individuals in front of a stone wall smiling

    Billie Jean Lee (left) with her husband

    Billie Jean has called Plano ISD home for over 30 years and has most recently served as Principal at Jasper High School.  Prior to her time at Jasper, she was the Principal at neighboring Robinson Middle School and before that the Assistant Principal at Renner Middle School and Wilson Middle School. Before her shift into administration, Billie Jean was a Band Director at Williams High School and Wilson Middle School. A long time proud member of Blue Nation, she is thrilled to join the Plano West Wolfpack!

  • Brad Bailey, Principal of McMillen High School

    Brad Bailey smiling in front of a stone backdrop
    Brad Bailey, Principal of McMIllen High School

    Brad has served 16 years in Plano ISD, most recently in the role of Interim Principal at McMillen since November 2023.  Prior to joining the McMillen team, Brad served as Associate Principal for Curriculum & Instruction at Plano West and Assistant Principal at Jasper High School respectively.  Prior to administration, he was a founding facilitator at the Plano ISD Academy High School as well as the World Geography Team Leader at Vines High School. Brad earned his Masters in Education from the University of North Texas and his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. He is excited to formally join the McMillen team!

  • Kristin Bishop, Principal of Isaacs Early Childhood School

    two individuals smiling in front of a stone backdrop
    Kristin Bishop with her husband

    Kristin joined the Plano ISD family in 2000 where she initially taught Special Ed at Brinker Elementary before shifting into the Special Ed Team Leader and then Assistant Principal roles.  She then moved to Davis Elementary as Principal in 2010 and later to Shepard Elementary as Principal in 2017.  The Bishops are a true Plano ISD family, as her husband is a 5th grade teacher in the district as well.  They are the proud parents of a Plano East Panther and a 4th grader as well. Kristin is thrilled to join the Isaacs team!

  • Stacie Burk, Director of Childcare Services

    Stacie Burk with her family smiling in front of a stone backdrop
    Stacie Burk with her husband and daughter

    Stacie first started student teaching for Plano ISD in 1995 & quickly learned Plano ISD was the place to be, and she wanted to be a part of it!  The energy, the connection, the students, families, staff & community were all parts of Plano ISD that made it special and continue to make it special today.

    Stacie started her teaching career working at Bethany and then moved to Wyatt Elementary when it opened in 2000.  She was a classroom teacher for 10 years and during that time, she was a 5th grade team lead and Camp Classen, Student Council, Spelling Bee & Science Fair Chairperson.  While teaching, Stacie also enjoyed working as an Academic Teacher then Site Manager for the Wyatt PASAR After-School Care Program. 

    Stacie transitioned from teaching to being a Zone Leader for PASAR, where she oversaw 10 elementary schools in the northern region of Plano.  During the time she worked for PASAR, Stacie became a Texas State Licensed Child Care Director and then the Coordinator for the Plano ISD Employee Child Care Centers.  Stacie has 15 years’ experience developing & leading Plano ISD Child Care. Stacie, along with her supervisor and team, opened the first Employee Child Care Center in 2008 and then two additional centers to support PISD employee retention. 

    Stacie was previously the Coordinator for Child Care Services, which encompasses the two Employee Child Care Centers & 43 PASAR sites.  Stacie provides leadership and direction to team members responsible for implementing & overseeing safe and engaging child care for Plano ISD child care programs.  She has proven success implementing & maintaining compliance with Plano ISD Child Care Programs by following laws, rules & standards assessed by Texas Child Care Regulation in documented site visits, inspections and investigations.

    Stacie has a Masters in Education from University of North Texas and a Masters in Administration from Texas Woman’s University. 

  • Greg Gaston, Director for Human Resources

    One individual smiling in front of a stone backdrop
    Greg Gaston

    With a wealth of experience in education and human resources, Greg joins us from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where he served as Director of Human Resources. His extensive background includes leadership roles in Keller ISD and Richardson ISD, where he's held positions ranging from Principal to Assistant Principal. Armed with a Master of Education and 27 years of invaluable experience, Greg Gaston steps into the role of Director for Human Resources with a commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all members of the Plano ISD community!

Recognitions

  • The meeting commenced with students from Academy High School leading the the United States and Texas Pledge of Allegiance. Academy High School is a project/problem based learning community that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Through a blend of rigorous academics, technology integration and a supportive community of educators, Academy High School empowers students to excel both inside and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, participate in extracurricular activities and contribute meaningfully to the community. 

    Students performing pledge of allegiance

    Academy High School Titan Ambassadors leading the Pledges of Allegiance

    Next, Dr. Phillip Morgan, the Director of Fine Arts, then took the stage to introduce the 56 students who were named Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Musicians. Among these, Plano West Senior High School's varsity chorale stood out as it was selected as a TMEA High School Invited Ensemble for the 2024 state conference. The spotlight then turned to individual recognitions, with Mr. Jeremy Kondrat, Coordinator of Instrumental Music, and Mr. Terrence Jennings, Coordinator of K-12 Vocal Music, taking turns to acknowledge the All-State instrumental musicians and vocalists respectively.

     seven individuals standing in front of the board of trustees

    2024 TMEA All-State Band and Jazz Band Musicians

    Students standing at the front of the board of trustees for their musical achievements

    TMEA All-State Orchestra Musicians

    TMEA All state Vocalist musicians with Board President Dr. Lauren Tyra

    Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra with TMEA All-State Vocalists

    Next, Plano West Senior High Varsity Chorale's exceptional achievement was celebrated as they were honored for their exclusive invitation to perform at the TMEA convention in San Antonio. The directors and student officers of the chorale, along with Plano West administrators, were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

    Plano West Senior High School Chorale with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra

    Plano West Senior High School Varsity Chorale with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra

    Afterward, Jeff Smith, Director of Athletics, stepped to the podium to lead some state level athletics recognitions, beginning with wrestling. Three individuals representing all 3 senior high schools each medaled in their respective weight classes at the state wrestling tournament hosted in Houston, Texas in February. All three of these accomplished wrestlers, earning 3rd, 4th, and 5th place medals respectively, were commended for a successful season.

    Kenneth Checkon with family and Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra

    Kenneth Checkon, Plano West Senior High School

    Riley Davis with Board President Dr. Lauren Tyra and her Coaches

    Riley Davis, Plano Senior High School

    Talaal Habib with Coaches and Dr.Lauren Tyra

    Talaal Habib, Plano East Senior High School

    As the evening drew to a close, Plano East Boys Basketball was recognized for their recent success at the UIL 6A Boys Basketball State Tournament, where the Panthers brought home the school’s first Basketball State Championship. They are also the first team in UIL Class 6A history to complete an undefeated season and clinch a State Championship. Read more

    Plano East Basketball Team with Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra

    Plano East Senior High School Varsity Boys Basketball with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra