The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals has named Byron Nelson High School Principal Kara Lea Deardorff as the Region 11 Outstanding Principal of the Year.
Each year, the association recognizes principals and assistant principals from across Texas’s 20 education service center regions. Winners are selected by their peers based on leadership and performance.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Deardorff said in a statement. “The heart of my work has always been about serving students, and this award is a reflection of the incredible students, staff and community I get to work with every day.”
Deardorff has worked in Northwest ISD for 17 years. She began as an English teacher at Northwest High School in 2008 before serving as an instructional coach and assistant principal. At Byron Nelson High School, she has served as associate principal and now principal.
“Northwest ISD is fortunate to have leaders like Kara Lea who always put students first,” Superintendent Mark Foust said. “Her dedication and hard work have truly earned her this recognition, and we are proud to see her honored.”
As Region 11’s winner, Deardorff will be eligible for the statewide Principal of the Year award. Finalists will interview in November in Austin.
