Congratulations to our new district leaders Sheryl Jacks, Chief of Schools; Dr. Nancy Montemayor, Chief of Academics; Dr. Richard Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership; and Adriana Arellano, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction.

Sheryl Jacks
Chief of Schools

Sheryl Jacks brings 26 years of educational experience and a proven record of advancing student achievement, strengthening school systems, and developing effective leaders. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school special education teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and Director of Secondary Education. These diverse experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership, school operations, and student support.

During her career, Ms. Jacks has led district and campus initiatives focused on instructional excellence, strategic planning, accountability, school improvement, technology integration, and school safety. She has supported the development of campus leaders, implemented data-driven systems, and fostered collaborative cultures that improve outcomes for students and staff. Her leadership has contributed to significant gains in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), improved campus accountability ratings, and the implementation of innovative academic programs designed to expand opportunities for students.

A recognized educational leader, Ms. Jacks was named the Region 13 High School Assistant Principal of the Year in 2013 and the Region 13 Middle School Principal of the Year in 2020, honors that reflect her commitment to excellence and student success.

Ms. Jacks holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Angelo State University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Dr. Nancy Montemayor
Chief of Academics

Dr. Nancy Montemayor is a dedicated bilingual educator with 28 years of experience in Texas public schools. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including classroom lead teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and organizational leadership, preparing her to support student achievement and staff development at the highest levels.

Most recently, Dr. Montemayor served as Assistant Superintendent of Student and Staff Support Services in an A-rated district where every elementary school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. In this role, she led districtwide instructional leadership initiatives and supported efforts to advance academic excellence. As a campus principal, she maintained a high-performing school with an A rating and achieved significant gains in student achievement and family engagement. Among her proudest professional accomplishments was serving as principal during the nomination and selection process that resulted in one of her district's first two National Blue Ribbon School awards.

A product of Texas public schools, Dr. Montemayor's educational journey is rooted in perseverance and determination. As a first-generation high school graduate, first-generation college graduate, English learner, and former migrant farm worker, she overcame significant challenges to pursue higher education and a career in education before advancing into educational leadership.

Dr. Montemayor holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Richard Fowler
Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership

Dr. Richard M. Fowler is an educational leader with more than 30 years of experience dedicated to improving student outcomes, strengthening school systems, and developing high-performing leaders. Throughout his career, he has served in teaching, campus administration, and district leadership roles, which have given him a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and systems needed to drive sustained academic success.

Dr. Fowler has a proven track record of leading school improvement efforts and developing principals and leadership teams that deliver measurable results. He has led and supported campuses that achieved significant gains in student achievement, graduation outcomes, and state accountability ratings, including schools advancing to B and A designations. His leadership has focused on building strong instructional and organizational systems that accelerate academic performance and expand students' opportunities in college, career, and military readiness.

Most recently, Dr. Fowler served as Executive Director of Instruction, where he supervised and coached campus leaders across a diverse portfolio of elementary, middle, and high schools. In this role, he strengthened instructional leadership, improved organizational effectiveness, and supported school leaders in achieving continuous improvement. Prior to his district leadership role, he served as a successful middle and high school principal, leading initiatives that improved academic performance, increased graduation rates, and expanded opportunities for students.

Dr. Fowler holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia, a Master of Education in Educational Administrative Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Howard University.

Adriana Arellano
Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction

Adriana Arellano brings 25 years of experience in public education and a strong track record of instructional leadership and campus transformation. She served for 10 years as an elementary principal, leading both small and large campuses and successfully guiding the implementation of initiatives designed to improve student outcomes and expand learning opportunities. During her tenure as a principal, she led two Title I campuses to achieve a combined record of three A ratings and two B ratings under the state accountability system. At one campus, she transformed a C-rated school into an A-rated campus within a single year.

During her leadership tenure, Ms. Arellano spearheaded the instructional work that transformed a traditional campus into a STEM academy, helping create innovative learning experiences for students. She has completed leadership development programs through the Holdsworth Center and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, further strengthening her expertise in school leadership and organizational growth.

A recognized educational leader, Ms. Arellano has contributed to the field through presentations on STEM education and instructional leadership, serving as both a featured speaker and representative of a featured campus. She has also mentored aspiring and current school leaders, supporting the development of effective leadership practices across schools.

Ms. Arellano holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

Congratulations to Dr. Tricia Times for being named Principal of POINT Alternative Center. Dr. Times will continue her work as Director of Safe & Secure Schools in this dual leadership role.

Dr. Tricia Times is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience serving students, families, and school communities. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, a Master of Arts in Special Education, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and an Associate of Applied Science in Health Care Management from the Community College of the Air Force. A retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve, Dr. Times has served as a principal, assistant principal, Special Education Coordinator, Special Education teacher, and Director of Safe and Secure Schools. Her extensive experience has provided her with a strong foundation in educational leadership, school safety, and student success.

Passionate about supporting at-risk students, Dr. Times is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to excel academically and socially. Guided by her core values of Excellence in All I Do, Service Before Self, and Integrity First, she remains dedicated to making a positive impact on students, staff, and the communities she serves. Dr. Times is married to Kevin Times and is the proud stepmother of one daughter.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to once again serve as principal of POINT. This campus holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to reconnect with the school community. My commitment remains the same: to lead with integrity, serve others first, and pursue excellence in all that we do to support student growth and achievement."

By Kami Johnston

In a district where community roots run deep, one local favorite is being recognized for its sweet contributions to student success. Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) has officially named GelU as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Partner of the Month for May.

The recognition highlights GelU’s multifaceted role in shaping the next generation of local professionals, moving far beyond being a vendor to becoming a pillar of the district’s educational ecosystem.

GelU’s impact is perhaps felt most directly in the district’s Culinary Arts kitchens. As a vital member of the Culinary Advisory Board, the GelU team provides a crucial industry perspective. This partnership ensures that the district’s culinary academy remains sharp and that students are learning skills that translate directly to today’s competitive food and beverage market.

The partnership isn't limited to advisory meetings. GelU has become a familiar face across the district, consistently participating in College and Career Nights and campus career days to offer guidance to students as they navigate their future paths. Furthermore, they play a critical role in student development by participating in district mock interviews, providing students with the real-world practice necessary to navigate the professional world with confidence. Most importantly, the company leads by example by hiring GCCISD students, providing them with a direct bridge from high school studies to the workforce.

Beyond professional development, GelU has earned a reputation for brightening the spirits of both students and faculty. Whether it was their recent presence at Titan Fest or their generous donations during CTE Month, their signature treats have become a highly anticipated staple of district celebrations.

As the school year winds down, GCCISD officials expressed deep gratitude for GelU’s time and energy. By investing in the district's Career and Technical Education, GelU is doing more than serving treats—they are helping build a stronger, more prepared workforce for the entire Baytown community.

To learn more about how local businesses can partner with the Goose Creek CISD Career and Technical Education Department, visit their website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Ten students from IMPACT Early College High School earned statewide and national recognition this year as members of the Lee College Debate Team under the guidance of Lee College Professor Joseph Ganakos.

Throughout the competitive season, the students participated in debate tournaments across Texas and the nation, earning numerous awards and accolades while representing both Lee College and Goose Creek CISD.

Most recently, five members of the team traveled to Tennessee to compete in the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship Tournament. Led by Debate Team Captain Madison Hall, the team achieved an outstanding accomplishment by earning the title of IPDA National Championship Tournament Community College Champions.

The GCCISD students who competed as members of the Lee College Debate Team include:

• Adrian Alvarado
• Ruben Capetillo
• Rebecca Currie
• Elena Foster
• Giovanni Garcia
• Madison Hall
• Tara Rambaran
• Advita Shinde
• Adamaris Tello
• Arianna Tello

IMPACT Early College High School provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit while completing their high school education, preparing them for success in higher education and future careers. The students’ success in collegiate-level debate competitions highlights the strength of the program and their commitment to academic excellence.