Plano ISD is setting the tone for the next school year with four new principal appointments, each bringing years of experience and a clear vision for their campus. From the debut of a new Career and Technical Education Center to leadership shifts at Academy High, Shepton High and Hendrick Middle School, these changes reflect the district’s continued focus on academic excellence, student growth and community engagement.
Laswell to Lead New Career and Technical Education Center
Jean Laswell has been named the first-ever principal of the newly established Plano ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. With a strong background in both business and education, she holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University–Commerce and a master’s in Career and Technical Education from Ball State University.
Laswell has spent more than a decade in CTE leadership across two school districts, designing programs, managing construction and building business partnerships. She began her career teaching computer science, marketing and engineering, and is known for launching impactful CTE programs tailored to student and industry needs.
Academy High School Welcomes Dr. Josh Howard
Dr. Josh Howard has been named the new principal of Academy High School. A former engineer turned educator, Howard brings an unconventional résumé that includes a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Texas Tech University. He also holds degrees from Midwestern State University and the University of North Texas.
After teaching math and computer science for eight years, Howard transitioned into campus administration and, more recently, district-level leadership. Over the last two years, he oversaw Plano ISD’s Career and Technical Education department, introducing new STEM and robotics initiatives.
Andy Jacob Named Principal at Shepton High School
A familiar face in the district, Andy Jacob has been appointed as Shepton High School’s new principal. He earned his bachelor’s in Social Science Education from Northwestern University and a master’s in Education from Lamar University.
Jacob’s career spans several campuses within Plano ISD, including time at the Larry Guinn Special Programs Center, Shepton High School and Plano Senior High School, where he served as assistant principal and associate principal of student activities. Most recently, he supported Human Resources as coordinator of employee relations.
Hendrick Middle School to Be Led by Kassandra Duncan
Kassandra Duncan has been selected as the next principal of Hendrick Middle School. With over 20 years of experience in education, Duncan is recognized for her student-centered leadership and dedication to school culture. She holds degrees from Illinois State University, Bradley University and St. Xavier University.
Duncan’s experience includes 12 years in the classroom and over a decade in administration. She has served at both the middle and high school levels, most recently as assistant principal at Rice Middle School, where she focused on building systems that support both students and staff.
Strong Foundations for the Year Ahead
Each of the newly appointed principals will step into their roles ahead of the 2025–26 school year, helping to guide their campuses through academic programming, community outreach and student support.
For more updates from Plano ISD, visit pisd.edu.
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