October is National Principals Month, and Midway ISD is recognizing the campus leaders whose guidance and dedication continue to drive the district’s success.
Midway ISD has earned recognition as one of the top districts in Texas, with an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency, eight consecutive years as the Best School District in McLennan County, and a ranking in the Top 1% of school districts statewide. District officials say those results are no coincidence—they are the product of strong leadership on every campus.
“Midway’s success is no accident—it’s the product of dedicated leadership on every campus,” Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen said. “We are extremely proud of our principals. Their leadership is what makes Midway Grade A, setting the tone, building strong school cultures, and ensuring students have every opportunity to succeed.”
This year alone, Midway has celebrated Class 6A state championships in baseball and softball, 22 National Merit and College Board honorees, and recognition by U.S. News & World Report for having some of the best high, middle, and elementary schools in Texas. The district is also home to award-winning fine arts programs, nationally certified STEM opportunities, and robust career and technical education pathways.
For Park Hill Elementary principal Dr. Chelsea Lippe, whose campus is Midway’s first nationally certified STEM school, that success is rooted in a districtwide commitment to growth.
“When we focus on growth, everything else will work itself out,” Lippe said. “And not just academic growth—when we focus on growth, we’re thinking through the whole child. And we do that here.”
The accomplishments are also a reflection of teamwork, a sentiment echoed by several principals.
“Every day, I strive to model leadership that builds confidence,” said Kim Hawkins, principal of Chapel Park Elementary. “For students, that means encouraging them to take an active role in our school community. For staff, it means fostering trust and ensuring they know they are supported through both wins and struggles.”
Middle school leaders also emphasized the importance of culture.
“I see my role in shaping campus culture as both visionary and servant leader,” said Kayla Brown, principal of Midway Middle School. “I set the tone by modeling the values we want to see in our school—respect, integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. I strive to serve with a joyful heart.”
Other Midway principals echoed Lippe’s focus on whole-child development.
“As principal, it is important to ensure that we support the whole child,” River Valley Middle School Principal Dr. Heather Metzgar said. “Midway ISD supports this work by setting the vision, providing resources and training, ensuring equity across campuses, and building partnerships that expand supports for students and families. I am proud to be a principal in MISD!”
Her words reflect a districtwide commitment to nurturing the whole child—a focus evident across all campuses, including South Bosque Elementary, where Principal Sheri Burns sees students thriving every day.
“I see our students thriving through their joy, confidence, and growth each day,” said Burns. “They are taking ownership of their learning, showing perseverance when things get challenging, setting goals, and celebrating their progress. Their excitement for learning is a clear sign that our school is a place where they feel supported and loved.”
This spirit of growth and student-centered leadership is at the heart of Midway’s success, and it is the district’s principals who make that vision a reality on every campus:
Midway ISD Principals 2025–26
- Midway High School – Alison Smith
- River Valley Middle School – Dr. Heather Metzgar
- Midway Middle School – Kayla Brown
- Hewitt Elementary – Christy Watley
- Castleman Creek Elementary – Dr. Clint Glaesmann
- South Bosque Elementary – Sheri Burns
- Speegleville Elementary – Mandi Brodstad
- Chapel Park Elementary – Kim Hawkins
- Woodway Elementary – Dr. Nicole Grygar
- Spring Valley Elementary – Kappy Edwards
- Park Hill Elementary – Dr. Chelsea Lippe
Beyond the joy of “just getting to be a Midway principal,” as Hawkins described, principals say they feel honored to serve in a district that keeps people at the heart of its mission.
“The sense of pride, tradition, and belonging at South Bosque—and all of Midway ISD—makes it a special place,” Burns said. “And I love being part of a district that truly puts people first.”
As National Principals Month is celebrated across the country, Midway ISD joins in honoring its principals for being, in the words of the district’s theme, “All In. Every Day.” Their leadership continues to be the foundation of Midway’s success—and the reason Panther Nation proudly remains a Grade A district.
