By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
Parents of students attending Bel Air Elementary in the 2016-17 school year are invited with their children to “meet and greet” new principal Lisa Howell on Monday, June 13. The come-and-go gathering will be from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Snacks will be served, information about local summer activities shared, and students have a chance to win a new book to start off their summer reading.
“I am thrilled to be joining Bel Air,” said Mrs. Howell, whose sister, Laura Robertson, was a teacher there for nine years. “I already know what a wonderful place this is.”
Mrs. Howell has been the assistant principal for the past four years at both J.E. Rhodes Elementary in Van and Van Intermediate School. She also has been an intervention/resource/inclusion teacher for elementary and middle school students, and a third-grade teacher.
“I have a passion for helping struggling students and love working with parents and families to ensure they feel welcome, comfortable and valued,” Mrs. Howell said. “I’m excited to be a part of the Bel Air family and look forward to a wonderful school year.”
“We’re pleased Lisa Howell will be taking the helm at Bel Air Elementary for the upcoming school year,” said AISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims. “She comes highly recommended and brings extensive knowledge in reading literacy. Bel Air has a long history of student success, and I’m confident Mrs. Howell will continue to build upon those successes.”
Mrs. Howell’s husband, Eric, owns a motorcycle business in Van, and they have two adult sons, Lucas and Landon, both of whom work in the automotive field.
Mrs. Howell replaces Kelye Garcie who has been with AISD since 2013, serving in leadership roles at both South Athens and Bel Air elementary schools. Both campuses were extremely successful under Mrs. Garcie’s leadership where her positivity, high energy and love of children were evident. She is returning to the metroplex area to be near family.
“We wish her all the best and will miss her involvement with our school district,” said Dr. Sims.