Bringing 20 years experience as a teacher and campus administrator at the middle school level, Linda Young has been selected to serve as the new principal of Grapevine Middle School in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She currently serves as principal of Zundelowitz (Zundy) Junior High School in Wichita Falls ISD. The GCISD Board of Trustees formally approved the recommendation to hire Young during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting on May 21.
"We are excited to welcome Linda Young to the GCISD team," said Dr. Robin Ryan, GCISD Superintendent. "Her years of experience at the middle school level, coupled with her strong leadership style and mix of both warmth and professionalism, will be a great match for the GMS community. Linda holds high expectations for both students and staff, and is ready and willing to provide the supports necessary to help her school community reach those expectations. We are looking forward to having her on board."
The search for a new principal began after current principal Tim Hughes announced that he would be leaving GMS at the end of the school year to accept the position as Coordinator of Alternative Schools for GCISD. Input from the community, faculty and students was used to determine the desired qualifications and characteristics of a new principal for GMS.
Young has served at Zundy for the past seven years, first as vice principal and then as principal. During her tenure, she has overseen the application-only sixth-grade magnet program, balanced a diverse student population and launched a successful student Leadership Academy that includes both curriculum and community service opportunities. Prior to that, she taught language arts in grades 5 and 6 at Ben Milam Elementary and Washington-Jackson Math Science Magnet, both in Wichita Falls.
Young earned a bachelor's in Education with a minor in English and a master's in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction and a minor in Information Systems Processing, both from Midwestern State University. She also holds an Educational Leadership Certification and will complete requirements for her Superintendent Certification in June 2012.
She has participated in numerous professional roles and organizations across the district, state and nation. These include experience on the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet, district Budget Action Committee, WFISD Leadership Cohort and Superintendent's Advisory Council. She also has served as chairwoman and vice chair of the Instructional Leadership Committee for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, participated in the National Middle School Conference and attended several Professional Learning Community (PLC) Summits on Instructional Leadership.
Young is expected to transition into her new role in GCISD during July.
The GMS PTA is sponsoring a Meet and Greet from 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, in the library for anyone who would like to meet the new principal.
