Jackie Santos Named Next Principal of Grand Lakes Junior High

TOMBALL - Jackie Santos, current Assistant Principal of Willow Wood Junior High, has been announced as the next Principal of Grand Lakes Junior High, replacing Dr. Kim McKinney who recently accepted the opportunity to become the next Principal of Tomball High School.

“The announcement of Jackie Santos as Principal of GLJHS gives me genuine excitement,” said Dr. Mindy Munoz, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. “Her demonstrated passion for the school community and her proactive, high-energy leadership style are strong indicators that she will effectively build upon the existing success of GLJHS. I anticipate a bright future at Grand Lakes JH under her guidance, confident that her leadership will cultivate a thriving and supportive learning environment for all.”

Ms. Santos will join GLJHS as Principal at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. 

She has dedicated over 10 years of service to education, eight years spent in Tomball ISD, serving both as a secondary assistant principal and a classroom teacher.

Ms. Santos is currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Willow Wood Junior High, a position she has held since 2021. In this position, she supervises instructional departments, helps lead implementation and evaluation of campus-wide PLC practices, collaborates on master schedule and course catalog, campus improvement plans, and serves as the administrative supervisor for UIL Academics, Student Council, NJHS, Robotics, and all campus-level clubs. 

In addition to serving as a Tomball ISD campus administrator, Ms. Santos also served as a TISD Summer School Administrator.

Prior to WWJHS, Ms. Santos spent one year as an Assistant Principal at Tomball Junior High. She joined TISD back in 2017 as a classroom teacher at WWJHS, leading the 8th grade History team. 

Her professional career in education began back in 2014 as a Social Studies Department Chair and teacher mentor at the middle school level in Spring ISD, earning Rookie Teacher of the Year. While a classroom teacher, Ms. Santos also spent two years in a Principal Internship in both Tomball ISD and Spring ISD with various administrative responsibilities.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Education Administration also from Sam Houston State University in 2018.

As a campus leader, she brings experience at the secondary level and understands the importance of innovation, growth, and remaining student-focused.

Read what Jackie Santos had to say:

What’s intriguing about becoming the next Principal of Grand Lakes Junior High?
“What intrigued me most about becoming the next Principal at Grand Lakes is the strong foundation that has been built by the staff, students, and families. It’s clear that Grand Lakes is a school with heart, pride, and a real sense of community. I’m excited about the opportunity to join that momentum, support the great things already in motion, and grow alongside the Tomball West community.”

What is it about education that you love so much?
“I truly believe there’s nothing more powerful than education. It’s the heart of every community and the key to every child’s future. Also, for me, it’s always been about people. I genuinely enjoy building connections, and there’s nothing more meaningful to me than showing up each day for students, staff, and families. Getting to play a role in helping students grow, learn, and believe in themselves is the reason I do this work.”

What can the GLJHS community expect from you as a leader?
“The Grand Lakes community can expect my full commitment. I lead with my heart, purpose, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility for every student, staff member, and family I serve. The community can count on me to show up every day with integrity, positivity, and a genuine love for kids. I will listen, support, and push us to grow together. My goal is to build on the incredible work already happening and help create a place where each person feels seen, valued, and inspired to be their best.”

What’s special about working in Tomball ISD?
“Tomball is where I live, where I raise my family, and where my heart is. Living in the community I serve allows me to build genuine connections and understand the unique needs and aspirations of our families. It’s a privilege to contribute to a district that values excellence, community partnership, and the holistic development of our students. I’m proud to be part of Tomball ISD, where education is truly at the heart of everything we do.”

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.