New Principal Named for Ryan Middle School
HISD has chosen Michael McKenzie as the new principal of Ryan Middle School, one of nine schools participating in HISD’s groundbreaking Apollo 20 program in the 2010–2011 school year.
Since January 2010, McKenzie has been principal at WALIPP (William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity), which is an HISD external charter school. During McKenzie’s tenure at WALIPP, the school’s ranking rose from Unacceptable to Exemplary in reading, writing, and social studies, and to Recognized status in science. He also established a “war board” to aggressively attack school deficits.
“Mr. McKenzie is one of the most qualified principal candidates I have ever interviewed, not only during my role here at HISD but during my entire tenure in education,” said HISD’s Chief Middle Schools Officer Dallas Dance. “I am extremely impressed by his dedication, creativity and his passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of Houston’s children. He has big plans for Ryan, as do as I and the superintendent. I think parents, teachers, and the surrounding community will be just as impressed.”
Before WALIPP, McKenzie worked as a principal resident in Aldine Independent School District in partnership with the Houston A+ Challenge Regional Principal Leadership Academy. His educational experience also includes time in Alief ISD as a principal intern and behavior center director, as well as at KIPP: Liberation College Prep as a teacher. McKenzie began his career in education as a teacher and special education chairperson at HISD’s Long Middle and Sanderson Elementary Schools. McKenzie holds a bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College, a master’s degree from Texas Southern University (TSU) and is currently pursuing his doctorate in education from TSU.
A meeting will be held at the school on Wednesday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. to introduce McKenzie to the community.
HISD continues to interview qualified candidates for the remaining principal vacancies in its Apollo 20 program. More announcements will follow in the coming weeks.
