17 Apr 2003
Finalists Named for Principal of the Year
DALLAS–Four finalists for 2003-2004 DISD Principal of the Year were named Friday, April 11, at a breakfast reception honoring nominees from four of the eight areas of the Dallas Independent School District.
The finalists were selected by a committee of judges based on community and staff nominations and essay packets outlining philosophy of leadership, resource management and professional background. The finalists are:
• Area 1 Principal of the Year Gabriella Williams-Hill, Richard Lagow Elementary School
Currently working on a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, Williams-Hill has been engaged in education since becoming a teacher in 1975. She has been principal of Lagow for three years.
• Area 2 Principal of the Year Kamalia Cotton, Charles Rice Learning Center
Cotton received a master's degree from the University of North Texas. She began her career in education as a teacher in 1984. She has been principal of Rice for two years.
• Area 3 Principal of the Year Gilberto Gonzalez, James B. Bonham Elementary School
Gonzalez received a master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and has been engaged in education since becoming a teacher in 1993. He has been principal of Bonham for three years.
• Area 4 Principal of the Year Yolanda C. Thompson, J.T. Brashear Early Childhood Development Center
Thompson received a master's degree from East Texas State University. Thompson became a teacher in 1976. She has been principal of Brashear for five years.
Each of the finalists received a marble plaque. Another breakfast reception will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, Cityplace, to honor the nominees from the remaining four areas of the district, and name the last four finalists. The DISD Principal of the Year will be named at a luncheon Monday, June 16. The Principal of the Year program is sponsored by AXA Advisors.