Current Colleyville Heritage Associate Principal Laura Koehler has been named the new principal of Grapevine Middle School. Trustees approved the appointment during a special board meeting on Monday, May 8.
“I am so excited to be the new principal at Grapevine Middle School and continue to strengthen the connection between our students and the community” Koehler said. “There are so many incredible offerings for our students including STEM, AVID and Dual Language and I look forward to supporting every student in their pursuit of a personalized education.”
The search for the next principal at GMS began in March when Linda Young announced her retirement.
Koehler has spent 25 years in education, 16 in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She began her career in San Antonio at Burbank High School in 1992 as a teacher and dance/cheer coach. She was then a teacher and dance director at Madison High School in San Antonio for one year before going to Judson High School to continue as a teacher and cheer coach. In 2001, Koehler made the move to Grapevine-Colleyville ISD where she served as a teacher and head cheer coach at Colleyville Heritage High School from 2001-2012. Upon leaving the classroom in 2012, she entered into an instructional support role as the Lead English Language Arts Instructional Coach where she was responsible for overseeing all subject curriculum. In 2014, she returned to Colleyville Heritage as an assistant principal and was named the associate principal in 2015.
“Laura is a strong leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to build a strong organization while sustaining a positive climate that is conducive to learning,” said GCISD Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan. “I am excited to see her continue to grow and develop as a leader at Grapevine Middle School in her new role.”
Koehler graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree in adult and higher education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is currently working on her doctorate at the University of North Texas. Koehler will begin her new role as principal at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year.