Deanna Porter Named 2025-2026 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year

TOMBALL - Willow Creek Elementary Principal Deanna Porter has been recognized as the 2025-2026 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year, voted on by her peers.

Mrs. Porter has dedicated all 31 of her years in public education to Tomball ISD. She served 17 years at Lakewood Elementary with the last 10 years as Principal and the prior seven years as Assistant Principal before joining Willow Creek Elementary as campus Principal at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

“We are honored to name Mrs. Deanna Porter as our Elementary Principal of the Year,” said Dr. George Flores, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. “Mrs. Porter has dedicated an entire career to excellence in Tomball ISD and truly embodies the spirit of Team Tomball!  She leads with class, compassion and a true dedication to do what is best for her students every day while making school a place where staff feels like a family.”

Under Mrs. Porter’s leadership, Lakewood Elementary achieved distinguished recognition as both a GE Model School and a PLC Model School. She brought that same dedication to Willow Creek Elementary, stepping in to lead the campus following a principal retirement and providing stability and continuity during the transition. Her extensive experience at the elementary level, combined with her genuine love for children and commitment to their growth, also earned her the honor of Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year back in 2020–2021.

As a campus leader, Mrs. Porter leads with both purpose and heart. Throughout her career, she has cultivated positive school cultures, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced academic growth while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Under Mrs. Porter’s leadership, Lakewood Elementary excelled with distinguished recognitions as both a GE Model School and a PLC Model School. In addition to supporting student success and a collaborative campus, Mrs. Porter was recognized as the 2020-2021 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year. 

What are you most proud of as Principal? 
“I am most proud of the success of our students and the hard work and dedication of the staff. Every day, I see students growing and discovering their strengths, and their progress reflects the commitment of educators who consistently go above and beyond. Being part of a district where staff members pour their energy, expertise, and heart into creating meaningful learning experiences is incredibly inspiring. Their dedication directly fuels student success, and that collective effort is what I’m most proud to celebrate.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a campus leader? 
“The most rewarding part of being a campus leader is seeing the impact our work has on students, staff, and families. After serving in the district for 31 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow from elementary learners into adults, and knowing I played even a small part in their journey is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve also watched staff learn and grow, and supporting their development is one of the greatest joys of this role. Being part of a team that helps create a positive learning environment for everyone makes this work deeply rewarding.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“When I began my educational career 31 years ago, I chose Tomball ISD because of its strong reputation for excellence in education. Over the years, it has become so much more than a workplace — it’s where I built a home, raised my family, and invested my heart.”

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.