Jill Hemme, current Heritage Elementary School assistant principal, has been named campus principal. Trustees approved the appointment during the regular meeting on Monday, June 19.
“It is an honor for me to be named as principal of Heritage Elementary,” Hemme said. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue working with such an amazing group of students, staff and parents.”
The search for a new principal for Heritage Elementary School began in May when Stacey Voigt announced she had accepted a principal position in Midway ISD.
Hemme began her career in Richardson ISD in 1999 as a fourth-grade teacher at Brentfield Elementary and Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet. In 2004 she became a TAP (Teacher Advancement Program) Master Teacher at Audelia Creek Elementary. During the 2007-2008 school year, Hemme was named one of the RISD STAR Teachers of the Year. In 2009, Hemme transitioned out of the classroom and into administration as the assistant principal at Northlake Elementary where she created family home visits and modeled professional learning communities district-wide. For the 2012-2013 school year, Hemme served as a campus reading specialist at Yale Elementary before becoming an assistant principal at Merriman Park Elementary in 2013.
“Anytime a campus loses a leader that has been present for 17 years, it can be a difficult time for the students and staff,” said GCISD Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan. “Having Jill step into the role of principal will provide stability for the campus and with 19 years of experience in elementary education, she will be able to continue the great work and tradition of excellence we have come to expect from the students at Heritage Elementary.”
Hemme has a bachelor’s degree in education from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from Lamar University.