Superintendent Dr. David Young has announced that Chad Drake will serve as the next principal at Mann Middle School beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.
Drake, who currently serves as the principal of Dyess Elementary, began his career with Abilene ISD in 2017 at Mann as an assistant principal and later as an instructional specialist. An Abilene native, Drake returned to his hometown after serving for four years as an assistant principal at Atkins Middle School in Lubbock ISD.
“I am so excited by the opportunity to serve Mann students, families, and staff again,” said Drake, who has been principal at Dyess for three years. “Mann Middle School is a very special place. I am proud of all the things Mann students and staff have accomplished and look forward to more great things to come.”
Young expressed confidence that Drake’s history of strong leadership on Abilene ISD campuses has positioned him for success at Mann.
“Chad’s experience as a middle school administrator and his track record of working with the Mann community makes him the right leader at the right time for this campus,” said Young. “His excellent leadership of Dyess Elementary has also helped to prepare him for this new role. I look forward to all that our Mann students and teachers will accomplish with Chad as principal.”
In addition to his experience in campus administration, Drake taught 5th and 6th grade students at elementary and college preparatory schools for six years in Lubbock and Austin, Texas. Drake holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lubbock Christian University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. As a student in Abilene ISD, he attended Crockett Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, and Abilene High School.
