Dr. Kim McKinney Named Next Tomball High School Principal

TOMBALL - Dr. Kim McKinney, current Principal of Grand Lakes Junior High, has been announced as the next Principal of Tomball High School, replacing Chris Scott who has recently accepted the promotional opportunity to serve as Tomball ISD’s new Director of Athletics.

"It is with great pride to welcome Dr. Kim McKinney back to the Pride of Texas as its next Principal,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, TISD Superintendent said. “She is an experienced and highly respected educator and campus leader who has a deep understanding of ensuring student success at a high level. Her knowledge of the rich tradition, values, and community pride that THS holds makes her the perfect leader to help guide the future of this incredible school.”

With a deep understanding of Tomball High School’s rich traditions and core values, Dr. McKinney will rejoin the Cougar family and continue fostering excellence, strong character, and community pride. Her leadership will honor the legacy of the school but will guide students and staff toward a bright future.

Dr. McKinney has served education since 2002 and brings over 23 years of experience to this campus leadership role. She currently leads Grand Lakes Junior High, having opened the campus in 2021 as the inaugural Principal. 

The majority of her professional experience has been at Tomball High School, joining the Cougars back in 2005 as an algebra teacher and coach. After just three years, she was elevated to an Assistant Principal and then to an Associate Principal position, remaining on that campus until 2017.

Her investment in growing as a campus leader, and her passion for student and staff success led her to a promotion, naming her the inaugural Principal of Tomball Star Academy, Tomball ISD’s Early College High School back in 2017. During her time at TSA, she was honored as the Tomball ISD Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018-2019. She spent just over three years leading the Owls before accepting the Principal position to also open Grand Lakes Junior High in 2021.

At Grand Lakes Junior High, Dr. McKinney’s servant leadership was highlighted by creating a strong, collaborative, and supportive school culture - prioritizing the needs of students, staff, and its school community. As a leader, she has proven to set a clear vision and direction while fostering enthusiasm and a love for learning. 

Her years of experience coupled with a love for Tomball will support the academic and co-curricular excellence that Tomball High School students portray each and every day.

“Tomball, prepare for an exciting new chapter! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Kim McKinney as the new Tomball High School Principal,” said Dr. Mindy Munoz, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. “Dr. McKinney is not just a leader, she is a proven visionary with a wealth of experience, dedicated to the success of every student and staff member. Her strong leadership skills, honed through years of dedicated service, will be instrumental in guiding Tomball High School towards unprecedented levels of achievement. Returning to the Pride of Texas, she brings with her an infectious energy, a passion for fostering a positive and enriching learning environment, and an unwavering commitment to student growth and well-being. Dr. McKinney's strategic vision and collaborative approach will empower our students and faculty to reach their full potential, driving THS to new heights of excellence. Welcome home, Dr. McKinney!” 

Dr. McKinney will continue as Principal at Grand Lakes Junior High through the end of the 2024-2025 school year, where she will then shift her focus and become the next campus leader at THS beginning in August. The search for the next Grand Lakes Junior High Principal is currently underway and a new campus leader will be announced soon.

Read what Dr. Kim McKinney had to say:

What’s intriguing about leading Tomball High School?
“Returning to Tomball High School as principal is an incredible full-circle moment for me. When I first joined TISD in 2005, I began my journey here, and now I have the opportunity to come home and lead the very school that shaped so much of my early career. What excites me most is the deep-rooted pride and tradition that make THS such a special place. The students, staff, and community are truly unmatched in their dedication to excellence, and I’m eager to build upon that strong foundation.”

With your experience at the high school level, what are you looking forward to again?
“I love working with high school students and getting to see them grow as young adults who are preparing to launch into the world. This stage of their lives is filled with discovery, opportunity, and transformation, and being a part of that journey is something I deeply value. Watching students develop confidence, achieve their goals, and step into their futures—whether it be college, career, or service—is what makes leading at the high school level so rewarding.”

What can the community expect from you as a leader? What will the culture be like?
“The community can expect a leader who is passionate about student success, dedicated to fostering strong relationships, and committed to upholding the traditions that make THS great. I believe in a culture of high expectations paired with strong support—where students are challenged academically and personally while knowing they have a team of educators and leaders invested in their success. Collaboration, respect, and school pride will be at the heart of everything we do.”

What’s special about working in Tomball ISD?
“Tomball ISD has provided me a place to build meaningful relationships while also allowing me to grow as an educator. The sense of community here is something truly special—educators, families, and students all work together to create an environment where excellence thrives. I’m grateful to be part of a district that values tradition while also embracing innovation, and I look forward to continuing that legacy at Tomball High School.”

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 and Tomball West High School will become Tomball ISD’s 26th campus and third comprehensive high school.