A Montgomery ISD elementary school principal has been named to lead the district’s new $43.4 million Creekside Elementary.
The campus, part of the district’s $326 million bond package in 2022, is expected to open for the 2024-25 school year.
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Shelby Smith, principal of Madeley Ranch Elementary School, was named the new principal for the new elementary school during a special meeting in December.
Smith has acted in her current role since 2018, previously serving as assistant principal for both Montgomery and Humble school districts, according to a release from the district.
“I am honored and so grateful for the opportunity to open a new campus, and look forward to establishing traditions and helping build a strong foundation at Creekside,” Smith said in a written statement. “I have loved serving and leading at Madeley for the past 6 years, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth of our staff and students.  Having this opportunity to grow professionally, while remaining in the district I’ve called home for the past 12 years is truly a privilege.”
Creekside Elementary School will be one of the first campuses to open from the 2022 bond package, which also includes a career and technical center, an agriculture science center, and a junior high school.
The campus broke ground in June behind Lake Creek High School of FM 2854. The school is expected to alleviate overcrowding in the Stewart Creek and Keenan elementary schools.
Smith is expected to finish the 2023-24 school year at Madeley Ranch Elementary School and the district will start looking for her replacement during the spring, the release states.Â
Smith’s salary for her new role has not been finalized, said Justin Marino, chief of staff and communications for the district.
During her tenure at Madeley Ranch Elementary School, Smith earned an ‘A’ rating with the Texas Education Agency.
Smith’s leadership has also earned her nominations for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Principal’s Award in both 2022 and 2023. In a district-wide survey in October, 99% of staff at the elementary school reported a positive work culture on their campus, the release states.
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“Shelby’s leadership style and the culture she has developed as a campus administrator made her an excellent candidate as a school-opening principal,” said Carrie Fitzpatrick, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, in a written statement. “She is a leader with a servant’s heart and we are confident that under her leadership, Creekside Elementary School teachers and students will achieve excellence for years to come.”
Officials are expected to vote on recommended boundaries for Creekside Elementary School during a Dec. 19 meeting, the release states.Â
