Meet our Texas Fellows
New School Design Fellowship
In 2019, SEN partnered with the Texas Education Agency to launch the New School Design Fellowship (NSDF) to support aspiring school leaders. Since then, SEN has helped create 38 new schools in districts like Aldine, Crowley, and San Antonio. Each fellow joins a year before their school opens — one year of planning followed by two years of implementation support. The newest cohort of six leaders, from districts such as Abilene, East Central, and Lufkin, began their planning year in 2025-2026 and will open their schools in 2026-2027. Across 20 districts, SEN has met its goals, building partnerships that strengthen schools through quality instructional materials and strategic scheduling. SEN-supported schools reached 60% on-grade-level proficiency in reading and math, exceeding state averages of 53% and 42%.
New School Design Fellowship
Schools that completed the 3-year fellowship.
Launched in 2020–2021
Launched in 2021–2022
Launched in 2022–2023
Launched in 2023–2024
Continuation Fellows · Year 3 of 3
Launched in 2024–2025
John Griffin
Interim principal of Woodlake Hills Middle School and a retired Air Force veteran, John brings 19 years in education and a focus on students' academic, social, and emotional success.
Sharon Balderas
With 25 years in education and a background in early childhood, Sharon leads Spring Meadows Elementary as a College Prep campus focused on pathways to higher education.
Joaquín Soliz
A 20-year educator and former assistant principal at Sam Houston High School, Joaquín now leads Davis College Prep Middle School with a focus on student potential and character on San Antonio's Eastside.
Planning Fellows · Year 2 of 3
Launched in 2025–2026
Leigh Ann Lynch
A two-decade leader spanning classroom, campus, and district roles, Leigh Ann brings deep curriculum and coaching expertise to her work leading Dudley Elementary.
Mary Starling
With 32 years in education and 12 as principal of Horn Elementary, Mary leads its STEM rebuild on the belief that all kids can DREAM BIG.
Maegen Medrano
A Texas State graduate who rose from elementary teacher to academic dean to principal, Maegen is committed to nurturing, inclusive, high-performing schools at Del Valle Elementary.
Tanya Galindo
A 26-year ECISD leader with 12 years as an elementary principal, Tanya builds nurturing, high-expectation environments where every child can thrive.
Planning Fellows · Year 1 of 3
Launching in 2026–2027
Janaye Wideman
A seasoned Abilene ISD educator and administrator with 17+ years in the district, Janaye leads Bowie Elementary with a strong commitment to student success.
Maggie Lozano
Rising from paraprofessional to principal, Maggie Lozano helped make Oak Crest a top-performing campus and now leads Victory Elementary with a focus on achievement and inclusive culture.
