Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright announced Monday that Laura Briones, current assistant principal at Simon Middle School, will serve as the new principal for the campus. At a meeting on Monday, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring decision. Briones is starting her 16th year in education, including 10 at U.S. Department of Education designated Title I schools, which are schools that receive added federal funding because they serve higher numbers of students from families with lower incomes. Briones says she is passionate about serving students and families who benefit from strong Title I schools.
“Laura is a valued member of the Hays CISD family and a respected champion for her students,” said Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright. “We are excited to promote her from within the campus and district teams to this leadership position. She is highly driven, empathetic, and passionate about building and maintaining a positive school culture. These qualities and her ability to create a shared vision for her campus has led to an environment of success, complete with enriched instruction and robust social and emotional supports for staff and students.”
Briones says she knew she wanted to be an educator at a young age. She began her career in education in 2004 as a social studies teacher in Round Rock ISD. Later, she served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and instructional coach in various school districts throughout central Texas. In 2016, she joined the Hays CISD family as an instructional coach and assistant principal at Simon Middle School. Most recently, she served as the 2021 middle school summer school principal for Hays CISD.
“As a school leader, I am passionate about ensuring educational success for all students through high levels of engagement, building positive relationships, setting high expectations, and celebrating success,” said Briones. “Promoting a school culture founded on a shared mission and vision that results in high teacher retention is crucial to moving the campus forward for our students. Through strategic and intentional planning, a focus on data-driven quality instruction, and increasing community partnerships, I am eager to lead Simon to success! Once a Wolverine, Always a Wolverine!”
Briones holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. In 2008, she moved to New York City to attend graduate school at New York University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. After graduate school, Briones married a sailor in the United States Navy and started a family. She has two daughters who attend elementary school in Hays CISD. Briones says she is thankful to live and work in the community.
