welcome maria lara

When the first bell rings for the 2024-2025 school year, there will be a new middle school principal at the helm. With more than two decades of experience in education, Maria Lara has been named the new principal at Harlandale Middle School. 

Ms. Lara holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas at Brownsville. She is certified in a variety of areas, including T-TESS/TPESS, Mid-Management Administrator/Principal (PK-12), and Bilingual/ESL-Spanish, showcasing her versatility and commitment to education.

Her professional journey is marked by significant achievements in various administrative roles. Ms. Lara has successfully fostered a culture of high expectations and academic success at her previous campuses. Her roles have consistently involved significant responsibilities such as developing and conducting professional development, coordinating professional learning communities, and mentoring teachers to elevate instruction and student achievement.

Ms. Lara's extensive experience and proven track record in improving academic outcomes make her an excellent fit for Harlandale Middle School. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to the campus.

Congratulations, Ms. Lara. Welcome to Harlandale ISD!