On Friday, April 19th, at Rusty Franklin Field, a fan collapsed near the concession stand. Student Abdal Wahabb Syed promptly took action by retrieving the Athletic Trainer, Katie Longoria, and securing the AED. Trainer Longoria swiftly attended to the parent, who was not breathing. She administered CPR and applied the AED, leading to the parent regaining consciousness and beginning to breathe again. Abdal Wahabb Syed, a 2024 graduate of Plano East, is set to attend the University of Texas at Dallas to study Biology. He participated in Health Science Academy (HSA) courses and completed a practicum at Methodist Hospital in Richardson. In addition to his academic and extracurricular involvement, he was active in football, wrestling, and baseball at Plano East.

Katie Longoria, who is in her seventh year as an Athletic Trainer with Plano ISD, earned her degree from Sam Houston State University. 

Ms. Werner comes to Plano ISD with 10 years of experience as an HR Director as well as experience as an assistant principal, principal and central office administrator.

Martha Werner (second right) pictured with her human resource colleagues at the August 2024 board meeting

Rebeca has been a valued member of the district since 2018, beginning her journey at Huffman Elementary before transitioning to the Technology Services, Student Records department in 2021. Rebeca recently earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a master's in management and leadership.Rebeca Garcia (left) pictured with her significant other, Kyler at the August 2024 board meeting

Dr. Pierson joins Plano ISD as the newest Executive Director of School Leadership and Innovation, serving the district's high schools and senior high schools. Dr. Peirson brings over 20 years of high school administrator experience in both Garland ISD and McKinney ISD, including 10 years of experience at head principal of Mckinney Boyd High School. She was joined by her husband Matt and her daughter, Emma. Dr. Jennifer Peirson (center) pictured with her daughter, Emma, and husband, Matt at the August 2024 board meeting

Mrs. Nemisha Bhakta was introduced as the new principal. With prior experience as an assistant principal in Dallas ISD and as principal at Renner Middle School in Plano ISD, Mrs. Bhakta is set to continue her leadership at Vines High School. Joining her were her husband Hardeek Barot and in-laws Barthi and Ambalal Barot, who were visiting from Botswana.Nemisha Bhakta (back row, second right) with family and friends at the August 2024 Board Meeting 

Mr. John Tedford was named the new principal of McMillen High School. Mr. Tedford's career spans from teaching and TV production in Florida to administrative roles within Plano ISD, including his recent position as principal at Armstrong Middle School. He was joined by his wife AnneMarie and their three children. 

Mr. John Tedford with his family at the August 2024 board meeting

Mr. Gregory Pierce, a Plano East graduate and former teacher and coach in Plano ISD, was appointed principal of Clark High School. His previous administrative roles include assistant principal and principal positions at various Plano ISD campuses. 

Greg Pierce at the August 2024 board meeting

Mr. Jordan Mullins was introduced as the new principal of Renner Middle School. With a background in teaching and coaching at Duncanville and Plano ISD, Mr. Mullins has also served as an assistant principal. He was accompanied by his wife Jackie, a Special Education Behavior Coordinator in Plano ISD, and their two children.

 Jordan Mullins (back left) with his family at the August 2024 board meeting

Mr. Travis Ragsdale was named the new principal of Haggard Middle School. A longtime Plano ISD employee, Mr. Ragsdale's career includes roles as a physical education aide, health teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal. Joining him were his wife Stacey and their two children. 

Travis Ragsdale (second right) pictured with his family at the August 2024 board meeting

Tara Lane, a native Texan recently from Omaha, Nebraska, was appointed as the new principal of Sigler Elementary School. Ms. Lane has served as an elementary principal and in various other roles in education. Her supporters included her mother Becky Mayhar, step-father Bob Mayhar, nephews, nieces and friends.

Tara Lane (front right) pictured with family and friends at the August 2024 board meeting 

Mr. Jeffrey Waller was introduced as the new principal of Harrington Elementary School. Previously serving in Garland ISD, Mr. Waller has extensive experience as a teacher, athletic coordinator, department chair, and assistant principal. Joining him were his wife Sarah, their three daughters, mother-in-law Patti Frank, father-in-law Scott Frank, brother-in-law Micheal Durand, and sister-in-law Shannon Durand. 

Mr. Jeffrey Waller (middle) pictured with his family at the August 2024 board meeting