Denton ISD has selected Nicole Poole as the next principal of Alexander Elementary, effective July 1, 2024.
Ms. Poole currently serves as the principal of W.S. Ryan Elementary, a school she has led since 2016. She has 12 years of experience in educational administration and 24 years of experience in public education.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, and I am excited to work collaboratively with each member of the extraordinary Alexander community to cultivate a learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and perseverance,” Ms. Poole said. “In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting with the school community and learning about the traditions that make Alexander exceptional. It is truly an honor to be able to continue to lead as a principal in the heart of Denton.”
Ms. Poole began her educational career as a second-grade teacher in Duncanville ISD in 2000. She joined Denton ISD in 2001 as a third-grade teacher at Ginnings Elementary and has worked in Denton ISD for the past 23 years.
In 2002, Ms. Poole transitioned to McNair Elementary, where she spent the next 10 years as a third-grade teacher. In 2007, she was selected as the McNair Elementary Teacher of the Year, and from 2012-2015, Ms. Poole served as the assistant principal of McNair.
She moved to W.S. Ryan to become the assistant principal in 2015 before being named the principal in 2016. Under Ms. Poole’s leadership at W.S. Ryan, the campus saw drastic improvements to family and community engagement while leading a targeted improvement plan by aligning curriculum and best practices.
W.S. Ryan was also named a 2022-2024 National PTA School of Excellence, an honor which aims to provide a framework for PTAs to identify and implement best practices in family engagement to strengthen family-school partnerships.
W.S. Ryan was one of only 72 schools in Texas to earn the distinction for 2022-2024. Less than 400 schools nationwide received the honor.
“Ms. Poole is a distinguished leader with a remarkable career spanning over 12 years in administrative service, of which the last 23 years have been dedicated to serving Denton ISD,” said Robin Brownell, Area Superintendent. “Throughout her tenure, Ms. Poole has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for education, earning a reputation as an engaged, innovative and servant leader. Ms. Poole’s engagement, innovation, servant leadership and strong community relationships have left an indelible mark on Denton ISD and the students she serves.”
Ms. Poole received her bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology from Jacksonville University. She later received her master’s degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University.
