Tara Bailey Named Next Principal of Creekside Park Junior High

TOMBALL - Tara Bailey, current Principal of Timber Creek Elementary, has been named the next Principal of Creekside Park Junior High. She will replace Renee Miller, who is leaving to pursue new opportunities. This transition will become effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

“I'm overjoyed that Mrs. Tara Bailey has been named the new Principal of Creekside Park Junior High,” said Dr. Mindy Munoz, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. “Knowing her dedication to excellence and her vibrant passion for the success of students and staff fills me with so much confidence. Her experience, energy, and leadership are exactly what our Creekside Park JH community needs, and I can't wait to see the positive impact!”

Mrs. Bailey was named the 2024-2025 Tomball ISD Elementary Principal of the Year for her dedicated leadership and commitment to student success and leading staff collaboration. She has spent the last three years in Tomball ISD, leading Timber Creek Elementary. Mrs. Bailey brings over 23 years of experience in education, and 17 as a campus administrator.

She joined Tomball ISD in 2022 after having spent the previous 11 years as a campus Principal in Northeast ISD in San Antonio, Texas.  

Prior to becoming a Principal, Mrs. Bailey served three years as Assistant Principal in Katy ISD.

She brings not only campus administrative experience to her role at CPJHS but has served as an Instructional Coordinator and a classroom teacher at both the elementary and junior high level since she began her professional career back in 2001.

While serving in leadership roles, Mrs. Bailey has demonstrated the ability to play an active role in the success, growth and overall well-being of all students and staff. 

Along with her leadership experience, she has led Professional Learning Communities as well as developed and monitored a school-wide Project Based Learning Initiative. She also understands the importance of a strong community and the value of parent engagement having earned a National PTA Life Achievement Award in 2015 and 2021.

Mrs. Bailey brings a wealth of experience as a campus administrator and has demonstrated exceptional success throughout her leadership journey. She has built positive school cultures and has fostered community and academic growth, all while remaining student-focused. We are confident that under her leadership, Creekside Park Junior High 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.

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

Read what Tara Bailey had to say:

What’s intriguing about leading Creekside Park Junior High as its new campus leader?
“Joining CPJHS was an exciting opportunity to serve students in a new stage of their academic and personal growth. The junior high years are transformational, and the chance to help guide students during this pivotal time—just as they’re discovering who they are and who they want to become—was incredibly compelling. It’s truly an honor to be joining another amazing team of dedicated educators who are all-in for excellence here in Tomball.”

What can the community expect from you as a leader? 
“The CPJHS community can expect a leader who is approachable, student-centered, and committed to high standards. I believe in transparent communication, strong collaboration, and creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. I’m here to listen, to lead with purpose, and to ensure our campus continues to grow as a place of excellence and pride.”

What do you look forward to as a Principal of a junior high?
“​​I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. One of the things I’m especially excited about is continuing the relationships I’ve already built with many of our families from my time nearby—it will be a privilege to see those familiar faces again. At the same time, I’m eager to get to know the rest of the CPJHS community and form new connections. Junior high is a time of exploration and change, and I’m excited to support students through challenges, celebrate their successes, and help them grow both academically and personally.”

What do you love about education?
“I love seeing the spark of understanding and confidence in students when they realize what they’re capable of achieving. Education is about more than academics—it's about building character, fostering curiosity, and helping each child reach their full potential. I find deep purpose in supporting both students and teachers as they grow and thrive together.”

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. West Intermediate will open August 2025 as the 25th campus.