Harper Stewart named Principal at T.E. Baxter Elementary

Photo courtesy Midlothian ISD.

The Midlothian ISD School Board named Harper Stewart principal at T.E. Baxter Elementary during a special called meeting on July 8, 2015.

MIDLOTHIAN — At a special called meeting on July 8, the Midlothian School Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to hire Harper Stewart as the new principal for T.E. Baxter Elementary.

"There are many factors to consider when hiring a school leader. Mr. Stewart exemplifies the top characteristics that the TEBE staff desires in a campus leader such as being positive, visible, accessible, approachable and having high expectations for learning, and the ability to build relationships with teachers, staff, parents and students," Midlothian ISD Superintendent Dr. Lane Ledbetter said.

"For three years I have worked with Mr. Stewart in Graham ISD, and I can attest to his professional work ethic, positive morale among staff members, and a genuine care and concern for children. Considering the TEBE campus culture, excellent staff and talented students, I feel confident that Mr. Stewart is the best candidate to continue Mr. T.E. Baxter's legacy of ultimately doing what's best for each student."

Stewart just completed his tenth year as a campus principal. Prior to being an administrator, he began his teaching and coaching career at Jim Ned ISD in Tuscola, TX. In 1998, he accepted a head boy's basketball coaching position and algebra I teaching job at Springtown High School in Springtown ISD and eventually was promoted as an assistant principal at Springtown Middle School.

While in Anson ISD and Llano ISD, Stewart served as a middle school principal. In 2010, he became principal at Crestview Elementary in Graham ISD where he implemented the school's first RTI program, Challenge Lab and many other student and teacher successful initiatives.

He graduated from McMurry University in Abilene, TX with a Bachelor of Science degree in multidisciplinary studies and a minor in mathematics. He later received a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University and in 2007 a superintendent certification from Abilene Christian University.

Stewart is happily married to Dr. Ashley Stewart, who was named the new assistant superintendent for school leadership, planning and innovation for Midlothian ISD. They have two daughters Grace (12) and Faith (9).

Stewart's start date will be July 27, 2015. Mrs. Courtney Carpenter, former T.E. Baxter Elementary principal, will begin her role as principal for the new Dolores W. McClatchey Elementary.