Deanna Porter Named Next Principal of Willow Creek Elementary

TOMBALL - Deanna Porter, current Lakewood Elementary Principal, has been named the next Principal of Willow Creek Elementary following the retirement announcement of Teresa Sullivan. This transition will become effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

“We are incredibly grateful to have exceptional leaders in Tomball ISD like Mrs. Porter that can transition to a campus like Willow Creek Elementary and continue to build on the legacy of success,” said Dr. George Flores, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. “Mrs. Porter is a proven leader in Tomball lSD and has dedicated her entire administrative career to impacting positive outcomes for students and staff.”

Mrs. Porter has dedicated all 30 of her years in public education to Tomball ISD. She has served 17 years at Lakewood Elementary and the last 10 years as Principal and the prior seven years as Assistant Principal. 

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. 

She joined Tomball ISD as a classroom teacher at Tomball Elementary back in 1995. She spent eight years in the classroom before moving into campus administration. In 2003, she became Assistant Principal at TES and later joined LES in 2008.

As a campus leader, Mrs. Porter brings a wealth of experience at the elementary level and leads with her heart. Throughout her career, she has built positive school cultures and has fostered community and academic growth, all while remaining student-focused. We are confident that under Mrs. Porter’s leadership, Willow Creek Elementary will continue to thrive as a school community known for its welcoming and inclusive environment where success and a commitment to excellence have been established.

“My time at Lakewood Elementary has been filled with memorable experiences and meaningful relationships,” said Porter. “Serving as principal for the past 10 years has been an honor, and I take great pride in our progress together. The staff's dedication, the students' enthusiasm, and the parents' support have all contributed to creating a successful school community. I will always cherish the moments we shared and the achievements we celebrated. As I transition to Willow Creek Elementary, I bring valuable experiences and cherished memories from Lakewood Elementary, inspiring me to further enhance the already thriving and supportive community at Willow Creek.”

Again, Deanna Porter will continue as Principal at Lakewood Elementary through the end of the 2024-2025 school year, where she will then shift her focus and become the next campus leader at WCES beginning in August. The search for the next Lakewood Elementary Principal is currently underway and a new campus leader will be announced soon.

Read what Deanna Porter had to say:

What’s intriguing about leading Willow Creek Elementary?
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead Willow Creek Elementary because of its strong sense of community and commitment to academic excellence. Willow Creek Elementary has a reputation for fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated staff, parents, and students to continue building on this foundation and to explore innovative ways to enhance the educational experience for all.”

What can the community expect from you as a leader? 
“The Willow Creek community can expect a leader who is caring, approachable, and dedicated to every student's success. I believe in creating a positive school culture where everyone feels valued and supported. My leadership style is collaborative, and I am committed to working closely with teachers, parents, and students to ensure that Willow Creek Elementary remains a place where excellence is the norm. I will prioritize open communication, continuous improvement, and the well-being of our students.”

What’s special about working in Tomball ISD?
“Working my entire 30-year educational career in Tomball ISD has been incredibly rewarding. The district's unwavering commitment to student success and its supportive community have made it a wonderful place to grow professionally. Over the years, I have seen the positive impact that dedicated educators and engaged families can have on students' lives. Tomball ISD's focus on innovation, excellence, and student well-being has given me numerous opportunities to learn, lead, and make a difference.”

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 23,000 students across 24 campuses. Tomball Intermediate will open August 2025 as the 25th campus.