CFISD Names Kyla Mote and Dr. Abe Lozano as 2025-26 Principals of the Year
Two longtime educators who have built their careers inside Cypress-Fairbanks ISD are being recognized for their leadership and commitment to students, staff, and their school communities.
Kyla Mote, principal of Black Elementary, and Dr. Abe Lozano, principal of Cypress Ridge High School, have been named CFISD’s 2025-26 Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year, respectively.
The announcement highlights more than just personal achievement—it’s also a reflection of years of service to the district and a deep investment in the lives of the students and educators they work with every day.
Both principals will go on to represent CFISD at the Region 4 Principal of the Year awards ceremony on April 7, hosted at Hotel ZaZa in Houston.
A Shared Commitment to CFISD
Mote is in her 27th year in education, all within CFISD. Her experience includes time as a teacher, curriculum coach, instructional specialist, and assistant principal before becoming a campus leader.
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“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named CFISD Elementary Principal of the Year,” Mote said. “I truly love the work that I do, and I am proud to serve our Bearkat community and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.”
Mote added that what makes her role meaningful is the collaborative spirit of her team and the shared belief in supporting the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially. “The collaboration and shared commitment to our staff, students and families strengthens our campus each day and continues to shape me as a leader,” she said.
A Personal Connection to the District
For Dr. Lozano, the award carries special meaning. A graduate of CFISD himself, Lozano has spent all 19 years of his professional career within the district, working across both elementary and secondary schools as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and now principal.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition,” he said. “Having grown up in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and having spent my entire career within our district, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from incredible leaders all who have made an impact on my life.”
Dr. Lozano was quick to point out that any recognition reflects a team effort: “Although this award may seem to be an individual achievement, it truly represents the hard work of our students and staff at Cypress Ridge High School.”
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Looking Ahead
While the Region 4 ceremony this April will offer a moment of recognition on a broader stage, both principals remain focused on the day-to-day work happening across their campuses. From morning greetings at the door to shaping a school culture that feels safe and inclusive, the impact of campus leadership often goes beyond what’s seen on paper.
As CFISD prepares to send its two honorees to the regional level, the district community celebrates not just two names and titles—but the steady, consistent work that helps students and educators feel supported, year after year.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.