Tomball ISD names 2025 - 2026 Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Tomball Memorial High School Principal Jennifer Collier has been recognized as the 2025-2026 Tomball ISD Secondary Principal of the Year, voted on by her peers.

Mrs. Collier has dedicated 23 years to education, 13 years as a Principal with three coming as a campus leader in Tomball ISD. She joined TISD in 2023 as Principal at Tomball Star Academy and has since made the switch as leader of Tomball Memorial High School for the last two years.

“Jennifer Collier is a true powerhouse, and her recognition as Secondary Principal of the Year is well deserved,” said Dr. Mindy Munoz, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. “Her energy and leadership are at the heart of Tomball Memorial High School, driving a culture of excellence and strong Wildcat pride. Mrs. Collier leads with bold vision and genuine passion, inspiring students and staff to achieve their very best. I am incredibly proud of her and the extraordinary impact she continues to make on our school community.”

During her time in Tomball ISD, Mrs. Collier has provided exceptional leadership to both Tomball Star Academy and Tomball Memorial High School, guiding each campus with a clear vision for academic excellence and student growth. Throughout her three-year tenure, she has strengthened instructional practices, fostered positive campus cultures, and supported students and staff through meaningful innovation and collaboration. Her ability to lead diverse learning environments with consistency, compassion, and high expectations has left a lasting impact on both school communities.

She played a pivotal role in launching Tomball ISD’s first P-TECH program (Tomball Academy of Healthcare) at Tomball Star Academy, expanding innovative pathways and college- and career-ready opportunities for students. Under her leadership, both Tomball Star Academy and Tomball Memorial High School achieved high-performing distinctions, earning recognition among the top high schools in the nation. A proud Wildcat, Mrs. Collier also expanded school spirit and student engagement opportunities, strengthening campus culture while fostering academic excellence and pride across both school communities.

What are you most proud of as Principal?
“Serving as the Principal of Tomball Memorial High School in Tomball ISD is a privilege I never take for granted. I have the opportunity to represent and support a truly remarkable staff who ensure every Wildcat finds a place to belong and the confidence to become their best self. The work they do is life changing, and I’m blessed to live out my purpose every day doing what I love.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a campus leader?
“The most rewarding part of being a campus leader is getting to see the final chapter of a student’s journey. Handing seniors their diplomas is an honor I never take for granted, because I know each one represents years of blood, sweat, and tears. I’m equally inspired by watching our teachers change lives every day, seeing their hard work make a real difference pushes me to be better. Being a part of the Wildcat community makes it even more meaningful. Our culture, our connections, and watching BE CATS come to life in the way we support one another is what makes this work so special.”

Why Tomball ISD and Tomball Memorial High School?
“Tomball ISD and Tomball Memorial High School are home to me. I live here, I’m a proud community member, and I deeply believe in the vision of Tomball ISD. Having the opportunity to support every child as if they were one of my own is not just my job, it’s my passion. Tomball is a truly special place, and I’m incredibly proud to serve and be part of a community that cares so deeply about its students and each other.”

This is Mrs. Collier’s first Principal of the Year honor in Tomball ISD but she is no stranger to this recognition having been named the 2020 and 2023 Spring Branch ISD Secondary Principal of the Year and a nominee for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Principal of the Year four of the last five years, with the top honor coming in 2023.

Additionally, Willow Creek Elementary Principal Deanna Porter has been recognized as the 2025-2026 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year, voted on by her peers.

Mrs. Porter has dedicated all 31 of her years in public education to Tomball ISD. She served 17 years at Lakewood Elementary with the last 10 years as Principal and the prior seven years as Assistant Principal before joining Willow Creek Elementary as campus Principal at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

“We are honored to name Mrs. Deanna Porter as our Elementary Principal of the Year,” said Dr. George Flores, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. “Mrs. Porter has dedicated an entire career to excellence in Tomball ISD and truly embodies the spirit of Team Tomball! She leads with class, compassion and a true dedication to do what is best for her students every day while making school a place where staff feels like a family.”

Under Mrs. Porter’s leadership, Lakewood Elementary achieved distinguished recognition as both a GE Model School and a PLC Model School. She brought that same dedication to Willow Creek Elementary, stepping in to lead the campus following a principal retirement and providing stability and continuity during the transition. Her extensive experience at the elementary level, combined with her genuine love for children and commitment to their growth, also earned her the honor of Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year back in 2020–2021.

As a campus leader, Mrs. Porter leads with both purpose and heart. Throughout her career, she has cultivated positive school cultures, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced academic growth while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Under Mrs. Porter’s leadership, Lakewood Elementary excelled with distinguished recognitions as both a GE Model School and a PLC Model School. In addition to supporting student success and a collaborative campus, Mrs. Porter was recognized as the 2020-2021 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year.

What are you most proud of as Principal?
“I am most proud of the success of our students and the hard work and dedication of the staff. Every day, I see students growing and discovering their strengths, and their progress reflects the commitment of educators who consistently go above and beyond. Being part of a district where staff members pour their energy, expertise, and heart into creating meaningful learning experiences is incredibly inspiring. Their dedication directly fuels student success, and that collective effort is what I’m most proud to celebrate.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a campus leader?
“The most rewarding part of being a campus leader is seeing the impact our work has on students, staff, and families. After serving in the district for 31 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow from elementary learners into adults, and knowing I played even a small part in their journey is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve also watched staff learn and grow, and supporting their development is one of the greatest joys of this role. Being part of a team that helps create a positive learning environment for everyone makes this work deeply rewarding.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“When I began my educational career 31 years ago, I chose Tomball ISD because of its strong reputation for excellence in education. Over the years, it has become so much more than a workplace — it’s where I built a home, raised my family, and invested my heart.”

Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.

Photos