New junior high principal announced
Christi Moeller has been named the new Principal of Danforth Junior High School.
Currently the assistant principal at Blue Hole Primary School, Moeller has been with Wimberley ISD for 13 years in all, including two years as a teacher at Danforth. She also served as principal, assistant principal, and teacher at Scudder Primary School and has been assistant principal at Blue Hole Primary School the last two years. Earlier this year she was named the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Region 13 Assistant Principal of the Year for 2021-2022.
The DJH principal interview committee came away impressed with Moeller’s experience, her communication skills and organization. “She’s adept at curriculum matters, has a history of strong relationships with parents and co-workers and has a welcoming personality,” WISD Superintendent Dwain York said. “I’m confident that she will make a positive impact at Danforth with our staff, our students and their families,” he added.
Moeller will replace Greg Howard as Danforth Principal. On February 1, Howard announced he would retire at the end of the year after 22 years of service to Wimberley ISD and 37 years of educational experience in total. Over his career Howard also coached tennis for 28 years, 13 at WISD. He has been DJH Principal for the past 7 years. “Greg Howard leaves big shoes to fill at Danforth,” York said. “He’s been such a great leader in our district and has positively impacted everything he’s been a part of. His turnaround of the tennis program was especially impressive. There’s no doubt his influence has helped that program reach the heights it has lately,” York said. “Greg’s calm, steady leadership style is perfect for our junior high students, and he will certainly be missed.”
In addition to the principal position announcement, two more administrative changes will take place prior to next school year. Current Danforth assistant principal Shad Scharlach has agreed to take over the Texan Academy alternative education program at the former Scudder campus. Since the pandemic, WISD has experienced an increase in the number of students that have fallen behind academically and become at risk of not graduating on time. Texan Academy will serve as a program that will focus on students with low attendance, those that need credit recovery and/or those that are thinking of dropping out. “Mr. Scharlach’s level of expertise and history of building strong connections with students and their parents will lead to better engagement and will truly impact some of our most vulnerable students,” York said.
Stepping in as assis tant principal at Danforth for next school year will be Katy Huebner. Huebner has been at Danforth for 24 years and is currently a sixth grade English teacher and head of the English Department at the school.
“Mrs. Huebner has such a strong rapport with the Danforth community and the district, and will be a strong asset as assistant principal,” Mr. York said. “She’s consistent, organized and a good communicator. While I hate to see her leave the classroom, where she’s been a star for us, I’m thrilled to see her take this next step in her career and continue to do great things for WISD.”
The administrative leadership changes will all take place for the 2022-2023 school year, as Howard, Moeller, Scharlach and Huebner will all continue in their current roles through this school year.