Aerika Dial 

Principal 

Carter Elementary School 

Aerika Dial has been named the principal of Carter Elementary School, following her service as acting principal. Ms. Dial brings 23 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston. After serving as an assistant principal at Carter Elementary last year, Ms. Dial is honored to serve in a community she cares deeply about and will continue supporting students, staff, and families. 

Principal 

Austin Elementary School  

Shaq Dixon has been named principal of Austin Elementary School, bringing nine years of experience in education to his new role. He began his career as a classroom teacher and has since served in a variety of campus leadership roles in Houston ISD and at Terry High School as assistant principal, and most recently as interim principal at Travis Elementary. Mr. Dixon earned dual degrees in political science and English from East Carolina University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Houston. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Texas Tech University. Throughout his career, Mr. Dixon has focused on strengthening instructional systems, using data to guide decisions, building a culture rooted in accountability and student success, and looks forward to joining the Austin Elementary School community.  

Principal

Haygood Elementary School

Julie Jackson has been named principal at Haygood Elementary following her service as acting principal. Ms. Jackson is an experienced educator and a proud Lamar CISD graduate. Ms. Jackson holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of Houston–Victoria. Her background includes experience as a first- and third-grade teacher as well as service as an assistant principal at Adolphus Elementary. She is excited to continue partnering with the dedicated staff and families of Haygood to ensure the campus remains a safe, welcoming environment where students can grow, learn, and thrive.

Principal

Wertheimer Middle School 

Leslie Spencer has been named principal of Wertheimer Middle School, effective upon the district’s return from Spring Break. Ms. Spencer brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, with a background that includes classroom instruction, curriculum development, and campus leadership. She currently serves as associate principal at Leaman Junior High School and has previously held roles such as Director of Instruction, assistant principal, and summer school principal. Ms. Spencer holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Missouri Baptist University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. Ms. Spencer looks forward to joining the Wertheimer community and partnering with students, families, and staff to continue building a positive and supportive learning environment. 

Trameasha Strickland  

Principal 

Wright Junior High School 

Trameasha Strickland has been named principal of Wright Junior High School following her service as acting principal. Ms. Strickland brings years of experience in education across elementary and secondary settings, including associate principal at Terry High School. A proud Lamar CISD graduate, Ms. Strickland has dedicated her career to serving the Rosenberg and Richmond communities. Ms. Strickland holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston–Victoria and a master’s degree in educational administration. She is excited to continue upholding the strong tradition of excellence within the Pride of the Den. 

Principal 

Lamar Junior High School 

Dr. Brent D. Watson has been named principal at Lamar Junior High School following his service as acting principal. Dr. Watson has 16 years of experience in education, including nine years in secondary administration at the junior high and high school levels. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in educational leadership from Prairie View A&M University and a doctorate in executive educational leadership from Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University). Dr. Watson is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, promoting a positive school culture, and supporting student success at Lamar Junior High School.

Principal

Briscoe Junior High 

Brandi Wheeler has been named principal of Briscoe Junior High School, bringing 15 years of experience in education to her new role. She began her career as an English teacher and later served as an English department chair before moving into campus leadership. She has served as an assistant principal at both the elementary and secondary levels and has also held principal roles at Edmond Memorial High School, Clear Creek Junior High, and Clear Creek High School. She is serving as assistant principal at Foster High School. Mrs. Wheeler holds a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She is excited to join the Briscoe Junior High School community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff for a successful year ahead.