The Paris Independent School District Board of Trustees appointed principals at Paris Junior High and Aikin Elementary schools at its special board meeting Wednesday.
Stephen Long (pictured right) will take the reins at Paris Junior High after serving as assistant principal at Paris High School since 2004. He began his career in education as a social studies teacher at PASS in 1998. His bachelor’s degree is from East Texas State University and he attended graduate school at Stephen F. Austin University where he earned his teacher certification. His master’s degree is from Texas A&M—Commerce.
“It is an honor to be chosen as principal at Paris Junior High,” said Long. “I am excited to be part of a great team and look forward to working with the faculty and staff. We will continue to challenge students to strive for excellence and see that they are prepared for high school, college and the work force.”
Kimberly Donnan, (pictured left) currently assistant principal at Aikin Elementary, will head that campus in the coming school year. Donnan has ten years of experience in education with six years of teaching math in grades 4 – 8 and over four years as an assistant principal in Mesquite ISD and Paris ISD. Her bachelor’s degree is from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree is from Texas A&M—Commerce.
“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed the new principal of Aikin Elementary,” Donnan said. “Mrs. Gilbert has been a great mentor to me the past two years. I hope to continue the quest for excellence that has been established by her leadership. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the staff and students to help them achieve their goals.”
“Stephen Long and Kimberly Donnan have excellent credentials and are thoroughly committed to the students and staff of Paris ISD,” superintendent Paul Jones said. “Their first-hand knowledge of the district will ensure a smooth transition and they will bring strength to their campuses and to the district as a whole.”