The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of new principals at four campuses – Sageland and Desertaire elementary schools, and Camino Real and Desert View middle schools – as well as three new Central Office directors.
Former Ranchland Hills Middle School Principal Carmen Crawford was named the new principal at Sageland Elementary School, effective June 8.
She began her career in education in 1984 as a first-grade teacher at Eastwood Heights ES, then served as counselor, assistant principal, and principal at various YISD campuses.
She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Mary Ann Olivas, current principal of Desertaire Elementary School, is the new principal at Desert View Middle School, effective July 1.
A 28-year veteran at YISD, Olivas began her career as a special education teacher at Thomas Manor Elementary School, and previously worked as a student activities director and assistant principal.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from UTEP and a master’s degree from Sul Ross State University.
Replacing Olivas as the new principal at Desertaire ES effective July 1 is Beth Harbison, current principal of Scotsdale ES.
Harbison began her career at South Loop ES in 1994, and has worked as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coach, and assistant principal. She also worked at Region 19 Education Service Center and founded a private tutoring company.
Harbison earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from UTEP.
Ida Perales, current assistant principal at Ysleta High School, is the new principal at Camino Real Middle School, effective July 1.
She began her career in education in 2001 as a biology teacher at Ysleta HS, then worked in the El Paso and Socorro school districts for six years before returning to YISD in 2008 to serve as an instructional specialist and assistant principal. Perales has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from UTEP.
She replaces former Camino Real MS Principal Charlie Garcia, who is now principal at Bel Air High School.
At Central Office, 15-year education veteran Fernando Marquez has been promoted to Director of Career Programs, effective June 27. He has more than 25 years’ experience in business and education, working as a business teacher, department chair, campus technology coordinator, coordinator, and interim director.
His knowledge and experience in career/technical education will enhance and build upon the pathways and endorsements as outlined in House Bill 5.
Marquez holds bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from UTEP, and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
Also, Lorraine Quintela returns to YISD as the new Director of Risk Management after serving as SISD benefits coordinator since 2014.
Quintela has more than 30 years of benefits and risk management experience, including 21 years at YISD.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
Quintela’s new job duties take effect July 1.
In addition, current Desert View MS Principal Michelle Kehrwald has been named Director of Advanced Academics, effective July 1. Kehrwald has worked in education for 29 years, serving as a teacher, band director, assistant principal, and principal.
Her knowledge of college and career readiness will enrich student services, as well as enhance vertical alignment among middle- and high-school students to maximize postsecondary success.
Kehrwald holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska.
