McKinney principal Paige Hanks will be settling into new surroundings this summer as she prepares for the arrival of the 2013–2014 school year. Hanks, who has led the Lawson Early Childhood School for the past four years, has been chosen by Superintendent Dr. J.D. Kennedy to serve as the new principal of Press Elementary.
That position was vacated recently when Principal Kamili Carthledge resigned for personal reasons.
Based on the input he received from the staff at Press, Kennedy felt Hanks would be a good fit for the campus of approximately 500 students situated on the outskirts of north McKinney.
“I believe that Paige Hanks will do an exceptional job at Press Elementary,” said Kennedy. “She is a proven leader in our district.”
Hanks, who has more than 20 years in education, received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1990 from High Point University in High Point, N.C. and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla.
She began her career as a fifth-grade elementary teacher in Greensboro, N.C. After one year, she moved to Florida where she taught third and fourth grade in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Later, she was responsible for developing and implementing curricular changes and adaptations as academic dean at Beaches Episcopal School.
In 2001, Hanks arrived in McKinney ISD as an assistant principal of Wolford Elementary School, then became principal at Bennett Elementary in 2005. When the Herman Lawson Early Childhood School opened in 2009, Hanks was the choice for principal.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve at Lawson Early Childhood School,” said Hanks. “It’s an incredible place for incredible children and families. I am really excited about the opportunity to lead Press Elementary. There is a great staff in place, and there is great parent support. Every time I’ve been given a new leadership opportunity, I’ve grown as an educator,” said Hanks.
Kennedy said, “She has taken on many roles and has done them exceptionally well, and I believe the Press community will benefit from her leadership and commitment to students and student learning.”
Story courtesy of Shane Mauldin