Katy ISD Names New Leaders for Innovative Pathways Program and Cardiff Junior High
Katy Independent School District is ushering in a new era of educational leadership with the appointment of two experienced principals to pivotal roles: Kelley Kirila will serve as principal of the newly established Innovative Pathways program, while Richard Merriman will take the helm at Cardiff Junior High. Both will assume their new positions on January 5, 2026.
New Leadership for Innovative Pathways Program
Kelley Kirila, who has led Katy ISD’s Miller Career & Technology Center (MCTC) for nearly six years, will now head Innovative Pathways—an ambitious new program that merges MCTC, Raines Academy, and the forthcoming Legacy Virtual High School. The initiative will offer students a blended learning experience that combines hands-on career training with flexible, rigorous academics delivered through both virtual and in-person formats.
Kirila brings nearly 20 years of educational leadership experience within Katy ISD, Fort Bend ISD, and Lamar CISD. Her extensive background in instructional leadership and her familiarity with career-focused education position her well for this innovative role.
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“Principal Kirila’s passion for helping students take ownership of their learning and her commitment to blended instruction and community partnerships made her the ideal leader for this role,” said Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski. “Her leadership will set the bar in Texas for virtual high school excellence.”
As Katy ISD prepares to launch Legacy Virtual High School, Kirila’s appointment reflects the district’s continued investment in flexible learning models and career-readiness pathways.
Richard Merriman Returns to Cardiff Junior High
At Cardiff Junior High, longtime educator Richard Merriman has been named the new principal. Merriman began his career in Katy ISD as a teacher at Cardiff and now returns to lead the campus where he once taught. His career spans more than 18 years in the district, with leadership roles at Mayde Creek Junior High, Katy High School, and most recently, as principal of Raines Academy.
“The Cardiff Junior High community is gaining an exceptional leader,” said Dr. Gregorski. “Principal Merriman has built his career around advocating for student involvement and fostering a collaborative approach to teaching and learning.”
Merriman will succeed Scott Rounds, who is set to support the Innovative Pathways program as an interim administrator in spring 2026 before retiring at the end of the school year.
Districtwide Vision for Student-Centered Innovation
Both leadership appointments reflect Katy ISD’s ongoing efforts to reimagine learning experiences for its growing student population. With the development of Innovative Pathways and the integration of virtual and workforce education, the district continues to expand its portfolio of flexible, student-centered offerings.
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As Katy ISD enters 2026, the community can expect more developments surrounding the launch of Legacy Virtual High School and the continued alignment of specialized learning programs across the district.
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.
