Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. David Young announced Thursday that Lacy Bruce has been selected to serve as principal at Austin Elementary School beginning in January 2024. Bruce will succeed outgoing Austin principal Clay Johnson, who will become the district’s new Executive Director of Fine Arts in January following the retirement of longtime AISD fine arts leader Jay Lester.
A 13-year veteran of Abilene ISD schools, Bruce currently serves as the assistant principal for Austin Elementary. She was named to that position in 2021 after teaching second, third, and fourth grades at Johnston Elementary (later renamed Purcell Elementary in 2021). Her campus and district service includes special education instruction, grade level leadership, and working on District of Innovation, Safe and Civil Schools, Campus Foundations, Gifted and Talented, and emergency management committees.
“Austin is a special place full of rich traditions and I am extremely excited for this opportunity,” said Bruce. “I look forward to continuing to serve the students and families at Austin Elementary in this new role.”
Young expressed his confidence in Bruce and her history of excellent instruction and leadership as a member of the teaching faculty and campus administration in AISD.
“Lacy is well prepared to step into the principalship at Austin Elementary School,” said Young. “She has a passion for building positive relationships with students, families, and staff, as well as a track record of helping our kids grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I know the Austin community will benefit tremendously from her continued leadership.”
Bruce holds a master’s degree in education from Sul Ross State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University.
