Kevin Williams Named Tomball West High School Principal

TOMBALL - Mr. Kevin Williams, current Principal of Willow Wood Junior High, has been selected to lead as the inaugural Principal of Tomball West High School, the third comprehensive high school and 26th overall campus in Tomball ISD, set to open its doors in August 2026.

"We are thrilled to name Kevin Williams as the new Principal of our third comprehensive high school, Tomball West High School,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, TISD Superintendent. “He brings an impressive depth of experience and a passion for students, staff, and families that shines through in everything he does as a secondary campus administrator. His visionary approach to education and his commitment to building a strong, inclusive school community will be invaluable for a new campus. We look forward to the leadership and passion he will bring to Tomball West High School."

With his passion for education, dedication to student success, and a proven record of exemplary leadership, Williams is ready to lead the Tigers. He brings over 30 years of experience in education having served as both a secondary campus administrator and a classroom teacher and coach. Most notably, Williams has spent the last 19 years in Tomball ISD and the last four years as Principal of Willow Wood Junior High.

Williams is a dynamic leader that has cultivated a premier experience for both students and staff every stop along his educational journey. He began his career in 1994 as a teacher and coach in Tecumseh, Kansas (Shawnee Heights High School) before quickly being elevated in 1997 to an Assistant Principal role and junior high Athletic Director in Minneapolis, Kansas (Minneapolis High School).

When he arrived in Tomball ISD back in 2006, he spent the next 10 years (2006-2016) as an Assistant Principal at Tomball High School, overseeing operations. Following his 10 years at THS, he joined Tomball Memorial High School as an Associate Principal of Operations where he served from 2016 to 2021. During that time, he led the implementation and supported campus-wide operations, including safety plans, student management, facility modifications, attendance hardships, and clubs/organizations. 

Because of his incredible leadership and strong love for education, Williams was promoted to Principal of Willow Wood Junior High in 2021 where he will wrap up his fourth year at the helm. 

At Willow Wood Junior High, Williams’ visionary leadership led to the development of a clear, student-centered vision for academic excellence and personal growth. His instructional leadership led to regular feedback for teachers through observation and coaching as well as utilized data-driven decision-making to identify trends, address gaps, and celebrate achievements. 

Williams’ dynamic leadership has been highlighted by his innovative mindset and the promotion of the use of AI in engaging instructional practices and through digital literacy opportunities. For his inspiring leadership, he earned the honor Tomball ISD Secondary Principal of the Year in 2023-2024.

Throughout his career in  Tomball ISD, Williams has fostered a strong, positive school culture, promoting collaboration, respect, and high expectations among students and staff. The supportive environment in which he leads empowers students to excel academically, feel connected and valued, all while being inspired to learn and grow every day.

“Get ready, Tomball West! With the innovative and student-focused Kevin Williams at the helm, we're about to embark on an incredible journey of growth and success,” said Dr. Mindy Munoz, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. “He's not just a Principal, he's a visionary! As we open this brand-new campus, he'll be crafting a legacy, setting traditions, and building a future where every Tiger thrives! He's a collaborator, a problem-solver, and a passionate advocate for students and teachers alike. His deep love for students fuels his work, and his dedication to empowering staff will set the halls of Tomball West High School ablaze with enthusiasm!”

Williams will continue as Principal at Willow Wood Junior High through the end of the 2024-2025 school year, where he will then focus his efforts full time on a successful opening of Tomball West High School. The search for the next Willow Wood Junior High Principal is currently underway and a new campus leader will be announced soon.

Read what Kevin Williams had to say:

What’s intriguing about opening a new school? 
“After living here for twenty years, the chance to open a school in Tomball ISD feels incredibly special. It's not just about building a high school; it's about building a place where kids thrive in everything they do. What really gets me excited is the opportunity to set the tone from the start—to create a strong, positive culture, establish meaningful traditions, and build a real sense of community. We get to bring in new and exciting ways of teaching, and create traditions that will stick with students for years to come. Most importantly, this is about creating the best school experience for our students.”

With your experience at the high school level, what do you look forward to in leading a comprehensive high school?
“The opportunity to lead a comprehensive high school is truly exciting!  I am particularly excited about contributing to the development of our students, encompassing their academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits, as well as their overall well-being. Our overall focus will be on cultivating a culture of high achievement, where rigorous academic standards are consistently supported by a nurturing environment to empower every student to reach their full potential, both inside and outside the classroom.”

What can this community expect from you as a leader? What will the culture be like?
“A core component of my leadership approach is a commitment to empower our educators. By providing teachers with the resources and targeted professional development, we will ensure they are equipped to deliver innovative and impactful instruction, effectively addressing the needs of our students. Building robust and meaningful partnerships with parents and the community is so important as we start this journey at Tomball West. These are essential and will reinforce our commitment to fostering a 'gold standard' culture of excellence, deeply rooted in the 'BE GOLD' core values. By working together, we will create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and achieve.”

What’s special about working in Tomball ISD?
“It is an honor to work in Tomball ISD!! The collaborative spirit and support within the Tomball community are truly exceptional. We consistently observe a genuine commitment from our dedicated staff and engaged community members, to ensure the success of our students. This active participation fosters a supportive and collaborative environment that significantly enhances our ability to deliver high-quality instruction/education. Our Superintendent's visionary leadership provides clear direction and a strong focus on innovation and high standards, which empowers our staff to strive for excellence, thus creating an environment for student growth and achievement. Ultimately, working in Tomball is a distinct privilege, as it allows us to contribute to a collective effort dedicated to the future of our students. Tomball is truly a special place that has a strong, supportive community, effective leadership, excellent teachers and staff and committed students that make Tomball a true destination!”

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.