McKinney, Texas – With the ink barely dry on her recognition as the 2021-2022 TASSP Region 10 Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Paula Kent will begin the new school year in a new location—with a new title.

Having served as the associate principal of McKinney North High School since 2017, Kent has been chosen by McKinney ISD as the new principal of Evans Middle School. All told, Kent brings 28 years in education to the job, along with 12 years of administrative and leadership experience that includes a vast knowledge of curriculum.

The move to Evans coincides with the announcement that current Evans Principal Darla Jackson has been selected as the new director of human resources for McKinney ISD.

When Kent began her journey as an educator in 1994, she had no aspirations of becoming an administrator. She was perfectly happy with her life as a science teacher in minuscule Texas towns such as Roxton, Leonard and Chester. But, 18 years into her career, she came to McKinney North High School and soon found herself with the opportunity to serve as the science department chair and instructional coach. And, she loved it.

As her leadership role expanded over the next few years, she became an assistant principal at North and then director of curriculum at Central Office. But, when North Principal Jimmy Spann retired, and Associate Principal Jae Gaskill was chosen as the new principal, Kent returned to campus to serve as North’s associate principal, a position she has served in for the past 5 years.

Now, she has a new leadership opportunity as the principal of Evans Middle School.

“Dr. Kent has been instrumental in the academic success at McKinney North High School, and she will share that knowledge and expertise with an already exceptional team of middle school leaders,” said MISD Deputy Superintendent of Secondary Student Support and Human Resources Dr. Melinda DeFelice. “I am beyond proud of Dr. Kent’s previous accomplishments, including being named the TASSP Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 10, and I look forward to her joining the middle school principals team.”

Kent’s educational journey has taken her from small town classrooms to the comparative metropolis of McKinney. Along the way she found a home in McKinney North. Now, she looks ahead to a new destination.

“My 11 years at McKinney North High School have been precious to me professionally and personally,” said Kent. “Professionally, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to serve our students as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and finally, the associate principal. Personally, I treasure the relationships I have formed at MNHS, and I truly think of our students and staff as my ‘North family.’ I am honored to be given a new opportunity to serve the students of MISD as the principal of Evans Middle School. I look forward to building on their tradition of excellence and becoming a part of the ‘Evans family.’”

Kent earned her bachelor’s degree in broad-field science from East Texas State University, her master’s degree in biology and natural sciences from Stephen F. Austin University and her doctorate in educational leadership the University of North Texas.

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