Tomball, Tomball West High Schools announce new principals

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- 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. Additionally, 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.

"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.

As for the other newly named principal, "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 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.”

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!”