Staff Report

The newest Hays CISD principal to come aboard is Melody Crowther, who will lead Negley Elementary.

Crowther’s career in education spans more than three decades. She brings with her to Hays CISD much valuable experience. She began as a first grade teacher in Hobbs, New Mexico, in 1983. She taught various elementary school grade levels in the West Texas and Houston areas before moving to Austin in the mid-1990s. Crowther has worked in Austin ISD since 1999, most recently as the assistant principal of Kiker Elementary School.

“I am a dedicated educator who strives to bring personalized results to each and every student,” she said. “My first order of business will be to successfully learn the unique culture of Negley Elementary. My ultimate vision is for each and every child, regardless of their skill, to reach their fullest potential not only as a student, but also a human being. In order to support the Negley community in our movement toward this vision, becoming the instructional leader for my campus is critical. I will not only implement my previous experiences as both a teacher and administrator, but I will also strive to create a uniquely collaborative and supportive environment for the campus.”

Crowther was selected, in part, based upon a customized principal profile developed after meetings with campus teachers and parents. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Texas, Permian Basin.

During her career, Crowther has earned Teacher of the Year awards at two of her previous campuses. In 2006, she was also named the H-E-B Excellence in Education Area Award Winner. In Austin ISD, she has been nominated for Assistant Principal of the Year consecutively for the past four years.