Crandall ISD Hosts Inaugural Secondary Principal Symposium to
CRANDALL, TX — Last month, Crandall ISD welcomed campus leaders from across the region for the first-ever Secondary Principal Symposium. Held on March 24, 2026, at the CISD Administration Building, the event brought together secondary principals and supervisors to collaborate, innovate, and strengthen the future of school leadership.
The symposium, themed "Planting Seeds for Strong School Leadership," was designed specifically for leaders in smaller districts to share best practices and tackle the unique challenges of secondary education.
A Day of Collaborative Learning
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Crandall ISD Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry, followed by a packed schedule of sessions led by experts from Region 10 and Royse City ISD. Attendees participated in deep dives into critical administrative topics, including:
- Recruiting and Selecting Quality Candidates: Led by Dr. Kent Messer (Chief HR Officer, Region 10).
- Rooted in Respect: A session on crucial dialogue for school leaders presented by Stacie Wilson and Amy Hopkins (Region 10).
- The Power of Student Choice and Voice: An administrator’s perspective shared by Melissa Harvey and Dr. Cody Holloway (Royse City ISD).
- Sowing the Seeds of Excellence: Focus on principals driving teaching and learning, led by CISD’s Executive Directors of Leadership Development Amy McAfee and Angela Wiggins.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
The symposium wasn’t just about lectures; it was about building a community. Principals from Kemp, Sunnyvale, Kaufman, Forney, and Terrell joined Crandall leaders to engage in collaborative problem-solving rounds and networking over an El Chico’s fajita nacho bar.
"This symposium was designed to provide practical strategies and clear takeaways that leaders can apply immediately on their campuses," said Wiggins. "It’s about reflecting, recharging, and returning to our students with renewed energy and innovative ideas."
Looking Ahead
The success of this inaugural event has paved the way for the Secondary Principal Symposium to become an annual tradition at Crandall ISD. By hosting these sessions, CISD continues to position itself as a hub for professional growth and a champion for high-quality instruction and school culture in North Texas.
As our leaders continue to push for excellence on their own campuses—especially during the current STAAR testing season—the seeds planted during this March symposium are already beginning to take root.
For more information on upcoming leadership initiatives, please contact the Crandall ISD Administration Office.