McKinney, Texas – McKinney ISD announced Tuesday that Cockrill Middle School Assistant Principal Melanie Machost has been named principal of Dowell Middle School. The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved the move at their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Machost brings 16 years in education, including four years of campus administrative experience, to her new position.

The Dowell principal position became available in late October when Dowell Principal Holly Rogers moved to Scott Johnson Middle School following the retirement of SJMS Principal Dr. Mitch Curry. For Machost, the shift to Dowell sees her return to the school at which she first taught in MISD.

“I am thrilled that Melanie is going to be the new principal at Dowell Middle School,” said Dr. Melinda DeFelice, MISD Deputy Superintendent of Secondary Learner Support and Human Resources. “I have worked with Melanie since 2008 and can attest to her knowledge, work ethic, efficiency and ability to bring people together. She is going to be amazing in her new role.”

Machost has served as assistant principal at Cockrill since 2017. Prior to that, she was the 504, ESL and RtI coordinator at Cockrill for eight years. She began her career in education as a math teacher in Garland ISD in 2004 and came to MISD in 2006, serving first at Dowell Middle School and then Cockrill. Before her launch into education, Machost spent five years as an event coordinator and division manager for March of Dimes in Dallas.

“In 2006, I joined the MISD family as a math teacher at Dowell Middle School,” said Machost. “I am excited and honored to return and partner with the talented and dedicated Lion staff. Dowell is a successful campus with proud traditions, and I look forward to getting to know the students and everyone in the Lion community.

“I am grateful for the experience that I have gained over the last 13 years at Cockrill Middle School,” Machost added. “I was fortunate to have learned from amazing administrators and teachers, built strong relationships with numerous families and watched both of my own children come through CMS. The Cockrill Cowboys will always have a special place in my heart.”

Machost earned her bachelor’s degree in management from Stephen F. Austin University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

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