Principal

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center

Lamar CISD is proud to announce that Juan Nava has been named principal of the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, opening in August 2026.  

With more than 30 years of dedicated service to Lamar CISD, Mr. Nava brings a wealth of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to student success. Over the course of his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, campus principal, and most recently as Director of Student Discipline, where he contributed to districtwide systems and organizational improvement.  

  

Mr. Nava is widely respected for his ability to balance high expectations with meaningful relationships, creating environments where both students and staff can thrive. His leadership is grounded in a student-centered approach, strong systems, and a clear focus on preparing students for success beyond graduation.  

  

A graduate of Texas State University and Prairie View A&M University, Mr. Nava has also contributed to the broader educational community through service on statewide committees and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP).  

  

As principal of the new CTE Center, Mr. Nava will lead the development of innovative programs designed to prepare students for college, industry certifications, military service, and high-demand careers. He will play a critical role in building partnerships and creating a future-focused learning environment that expands opportunities for all students.  

We are excited about Mr. Nava’s new role and look forward to the continued growth of Career and Technical Education in Lamar CISD. 

Principal

Bright Futures Academy at Beasley Elementary

We are proud to announce that Toni L. Scott has been named the inaugural principal of Bright Futures Academy at Beasley Elementary, a specialized campus designed to serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, opening in August 2026.  

  

With 31 years of experience in education, including 21 years as a campus administrator in Lamar CISD, Mrs. Scott brings a deep commitment to student success, inclusive practices, and strong partnerships with families and staff.  

  

Her journey in education began as a one-to-one instructional aide for a student with autism, which was an experience that shaped her lifelong dedication to meeting the individual needs of learners and creating supportive, inclusive environments. She later served as a classroom teacher before moving into campus leadership, where she has been known for building collaborative school cultures and supporting both students and staff to achieve their best.  

  

Throughout her career, Mrs. Scott has served the Lamar CISD community at Seguin Elementary, McNeill Elementary, and most recently as principal of Wertheimer Middle School. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in education administration from Texas Southern University.  

  

As the inaugural principal of Bright Futures Academy at Beasley Elementary, Mrs. Scott will lead a campus intentionally designed to support the unique learning, social, and developmental needs of students with autism. She looks forward to partnering with staff, families, and the community to create a safe, structured, and empowering environment where every student is equipped to thrive.  

We are excited about Mrs. Scott's leadership role at Bright Futures Academy at Beasley Elementary as we open a new specialized campus. 

Principal

Slawinski Elementary School

Lamar CISD is proud to announce that Steffenie Horelica has been named the founding principal of Slawinski Elementary, opening in August 2026.  

  

A proud product of Lamar CISD, Ms. Horelica brings 17 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to serving students, staff, and families. Her career includes roles as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, reading facilitator at both the elementary and secondary levels, and campus administrator—providing her with a comprehensive understanding of instruction, intervention, and school leadership.  

  

Ms. Horelica is known for her dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering a positive, supportive environment where every student can thrive. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a strong belief in the power of collaboration between schools and families. She is committed to using data-informed practices, supporting continuous growth for staff, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction.  

  

As the founding principal of Slawinski Elementary, Ms. Horelica will play a critical role in shaping the campus culture, building strong relationships, and establishing a foundation of excellence from day one.  

  

We are excited about Ms. Horelica’s exciting new chapter. 

Principal

Becerra Elementary School

As we look ahead to the opening of Becerra Elementary next fall, we are excited to share that Laura Spiegel has been named the principal of the new campus.  

Ms. Spiegel currently serves as Principal of Beasley Elementary and will continue leading the same students and staff who are rezoned to Becerra as part of the transition. While the school name and building will change, the leadership and commitment to students and families will remain the same.  

We are grateful for Ms. Spiegel’s leadership and are excited for the opportunities ahead as we open a new campus to serve our growing community. We look forward to celebrating this exciting next chapter together.