Royal ISD Names New Royal High School Principal for 2026-27 School Year, Bringing Nearly 20 Years of Leadership Experience
For students, parents, and staff, a principal plays a key role in shaping campus culture, academic expectations, student success initiatives, and community engagement. With nearly two decades of experience in public education and a background that spans multiple grade levels and school districts, Harris brings a broad perspective to Royal High School as it prepares for the future.
New Leadership Arrives at Royal High School
Harris is an experienced bilingual educational leader who has built her career around fostering academic excellence, accountability, and strong partnerships with families and communities. Originally from Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with a wide range of students and families.
Most recently, Harris served as a principal in Spring ISD, where she led Northgate Crossing Elementary School and helped improve the campus from a C rating to a B rating through focused instructional practices, data-driven decision making, and efforts to strengthen school culture.
Her experience extends beyond elementary education. Harris has served as an assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels, including leadership roles in Bay City ISD and Spring Branch ISD. That combination of elementary and secondary experience provides a unique understanding of the educational journey students take from their earliest school years through graduation and postsecondary planning.
A Background Rooted in Service
Before entering education, Harris served in the United States Army, earning multiple military medals during her service. The leadership, discipline, and commitment developed during her military career have remained central to her approach as an educator.
She is also a former Teacher of the Year, an achievement that reflects her classroom roots and continued focus on supporting both students and teachers.
Harris holds a bachelor's degree in Social Psychology from Park University, a master's degree in Human Services from Capella University, and a Leadership Certificate from The Executive Education Academy at Rice University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Royal ISD Also Welcomes New Principal at Royal Prairie Elementary
Alongside the leadership transition at Royal High School, Royal ISD has also named Daniel Martinez as the new principal of Royal Prairie Elementary.
Martinez brings 14 years of educational experience, including service as an elementary assistant principal, elementary principal, and middle school principal. He earned degrees from Texas A&M University San Antonio and is a co-author of Restorative Discipline Practices: A Journey of Implementation by a Community of Texas Educators. He also completed the Harvard Leadership Program for Principals.
His leadership philosophy emphasizes strong relationships, student growth, family engagement, and creating supportive learning environments where students can thrive.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 School Year
For Royal ISD families, the addition of two experienced campus leaders represents an investment in the future of both Royal Prairie Elementary and Royal High School. As students return for the 2026-27 school year, they will be welcomed by principals who bring extensive experience, a focus on student achievement, and a commitment to building strong connections with the communities they serve.
Royal ISD has encouraged the Falcon community to join in welcoming both Martinez and Harris as they begin their new leadership roles and help guide the next chapter for Royal schools.
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.
