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Prosper ISD names new principals, dedicates facilities and honors former superintendent Drew Watkins
Summary
The board heard announcements of several principal assignments for 2025–26, dedicated the maintenance facility and ag barn and approved naming a future middle school and the administration building after former superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins.
At its Jan. 23 meeting Prosper ISD announced principal appointments for new and existing campuses, dedicated recently completed facilities and named two district buildings in honor of former Superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins.
Appointments and naming: - Thompson Elementary principal: Zeb Evans (principal appointment announced for the 2025–26 opening of the 19th elementary campus). - Russian Middle School principal (2025–26): Jeff McDonnell (named in the presentation as having 19 years in education and prior roles in neighboring districts). - Windsong Ranch Elementary principal (2025–26): Michelle Qualls (currently assistant principal at Windsong Ranch and previously a classroom teacher and instructional coach). - Middle School No. 7 will be named the Dr. Drew Watkins Middle School; the administration building will also be named the Dr. Drew Watkins Administration Building. Dr. Watkins served as Prosper ISD superintendent from 2002 to 2020 and is cited in the presentation for leading the district through major growth (from 962 students in 2002 to 19,138 students in 2020).
Facility dedications and updates: - The district dedicated a new maintenance facility (memorialized in the presentation as dedicated to Jerry Harpole) and plans to complete remaining finishing details and move maintenance staff in. - An agricultural (ag) barn project has been completed; the district plans a spring dedication and will move animals and equipment into the facility.
Why it matters: principal assignments affect leadership at new campuses opening with bond-funded construction; naming facilities honors historic leadership and communicates institutional continuity to the community.
Board action: the principal announcements and facility dedications were presented as informational items; the board approved the hiring of contract personnel (personnel approvals were voted in open session following an executive session) and the superintendent’s contract renewal was approved by vote.
Context and remarks: Superintendent Dr. Ferguson thanked the community for the bond approval (noted as $2,700,000,000) and highlighted the service of Dr. Watkins and Jerry Harpole. A mayoral proclamation recognized school board appreciation month during the meeting. The board held an executive (closed) session before returning to approve personnel and the superintendent contract in open session.
