McKinney, Texas – McClure Elementary Assistant Principal Maria Hafner’s summer just took on a new look. With McKinney ISD campus administrators hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2020–2021 school year, Hafner’s attention will shift from McClure to a new campus—as the principal of Webb Elementary.

The position became available when Webb Principal Kyle Luthi was chosen to serve as principal of McKinney ISD’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). Hafner has served as assistant principal of McClure for just over four years and brings 24 years of experience in education to her new role as principal at Webb.

“I’m excited to have Maria Hafner come on board as principal of Webb Elementary,” said Suzy Woodard, MISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Student Support. “Along with her deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction, she brings a proven record of success as a campus leader, which was especially evident during her time as the interim principal for McClure Elementary last spring. Maria has a true servant’s heart and will put students first in every decision she makes.”

Hafner began her career in 1995 as a kindergarten teacher in Pinellas County, Florida, where she also taught first grade. Five years later, she moved to Fairfax County, Virginia, to teach first grade and later served as the coordinator of a Professional Development School. Hafner came to Texas in 2005 to serve as a first grade teacher in Frisco ISD where she went on to serve as a reading specialist and then an instructional coach. She came to MISD in 2016 to serve as the assistant principal of McClure Elementary and served as the interim principal at McClure from February 2019–May 2019.

“I have been truly blessed and inspired by my time at McClure and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside former principal Melanie Raleeh and current principal Matt Arend,” Hafner said. “I will cherish the amazing relationships formed with the staff and community.

“And, I am honored to be joining the Webb family,” Hafner added. “I am looking forward to building strong, collaborative relationships with the students, staff and community as we pursue excellence for each child we serve. I am excited to continue the rich traditions and spirit that Kyle Luthi, Nidia Cedillo [former Webb assistant principal] and the entire Webb family have created and upheld.”

Hafner earned her bachelor’s degree in child development and elementary education from Michigan State University. She earned her master’s degree in elementary curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in math and science from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

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