Chrisa Oakley named principal of Hicks Early Childhood Center
Chrisa Oakley named principal of Hicks Early Childhood Center
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| Chrisa Oakley |
Northwest ISD has named Chrisa Oakley as the inaugural principal of the Dr. David Hicks Early Childhood Center, transitioning a veteran principal to the leadership position of the district’s first school exclusively for pre-kindergarten students.
For the past seven years, Mrs. Oakley has served as the principal of Cox Elementary School, and she brings 17 years in Northwest ISD overall to her new role. She joined the district in 2008 as an elementary classroom teacher before taking roles as a campus instructional teacher, intervention specialist and assistant principal.
Mrs. Oakley said while she will miss her Cox Cougar family, she looks forward to setting early childhood center standards at her new campus.
“Pre-K marks the beginning of many children’s educational journeys, and I look forward to establishing a strong academic foundation for our youngest learners,” Mrs. Oakley said. “Data shows that students who start in Northwest ISD’s pre-K classes outperform those who do not, and this school will grow our early childhood program to new heights.”
Approved by voters in the 2023 bond election, the Hicks Early Childhood Center will open in August 2026. Located off F.M. 156, south of Hillshire Drive and north of East Bonds Ranch Road, it will serve families in the southern portion of Northwest ISD. It bears the name of Dr. David Hicks, a former Northwest ISD superintendent who passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Hicks is remembered for his commitment to children across all grade levels, advocating for early childhood literacy and pre-K for a solid educational foundation.
As Mrs. Oakley prepares to open her new school, she will continue leading Cox Elementary School for the remainder of the school year. A successor will be named as the new principal of the school during the spring semester.
Mrs. Oakley earned her master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lubbock Christian University.