Northwest ISD names Kris Kelly executive director of special education

Kris Kelly

Northwest ISD has promoted Kristine “Kris” Kelly to executive director of special education, placing a longtime district leader over programs that support students with disabilities from early childhood through young adulthood.

With nearly two decades of experience in special education, Ms. Kelly has directed comprehensive services for students with disabilities across the pre-K–21 continuum. Her leadership includes extensive work in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act compliance, admission, review and dismissal systems, due process and complaint resolution, as well as state reporting and funding requirements.

In her new role, Ms. Kelly will oversee the district’s special education and the evaluation staff, ensuring students receive individualized support and access to a full continuum of services. She will guide program planning, staffing models, budgeting and contracted services while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

“I’m honored to continue serving Northwest ISD’s students, families and staff in this role,” said Ms. Kelly. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to the support and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our services and partnerships to support student success.”

Ms. Kelly has served as Northwest ISD’s director of special education since 2018, leading districtwide services for students with disabilities and overseeing ARD processes to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.

She has also partnered with district teams to manage due process hearings, mediations and complaints while supervising multidisciplinary evaluation teams and overseeing staffing, contracted services, specialized placements, PEIMS reporting and program reviews to ensure effective, compliant services and continuous improvement.

Ms. Kelly joined Northwest ISD in 2007 as a general education teacher and then special education teacher in many roles.  In 2013 she transitioned into the special education support teacher and has served in multiple leadership roles within the district, including special education coordinator and elementary assistant principal. 

Ms. Kelly earned her master’s degree in special education from the University of Texas Permian Basin and her bachelor’s degree in general and special education from Walsh University.