On Tuesday, the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) announced the appointment of new principals and assistant principals at five elementary schools for the upcoming school year.
Effective July 1, LeBarron Park Elementary School Assistant Principal Christopher Puga has been named the new principal at Capistrano Elementary School, following the retirement of principal Lynn Musel.
Puga began his career in education in 2007, and previously worked at Capistrano Elementary as a math/science instructional coach from 2014-2016 before serving as assistant principal at LeBarron Park Elementary.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UTEP and a master’s degree in education from Lamar University.
Succeeding Puga at LeBarron Park Elementary is Valerie Chavez, current math/science instructional coach at Cedar Grove Elementary School. Chavez’s new position as LeBarron Park Elementary assistant principal takes effect August 2.
Norma Myers, assistant principal at South Loop Elementary School, has been appointed to serve as interim principal at South Loop, effective July 1, following the retirement of principal Rosa Lujan.
Myers has worked in education for 27 years, serving as an elementary school teacher, middle- and high-school counselor, and an assistant principal at both YISD and Socorro ISD.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education from UTEP.
Joining South Loop Elementary’s administrative team as assistant principal is Maritza Fernandez, an assistant principal at Socorro ISD. Fernandez’s new duties take effect August 2.
Rachael Blair, assistant principal at Parkland Elementary School, has been named the new principal of Sageland Elementary School, effective July 1, following the retirement of principal Carmen Crawford.
Blair has worked in education for 19 years as a teacher, literacy leader, and assistant principal at various YISD 
schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in education from UTEP.
In addition, current Bel Air High School support teacher Javier Aguilera has been appointed as assistant principal at Thomas Manor Elementary School, which will open its new two-story, $28 million K-6 campus at 7900 Jersey Street this fall, with a capacity of up to 800 students. Aguilera’s new duties take effect August 2.
