Abilene ISD is pleased to announce that Shanda Bourn has been selected as the next principal of Taylor Elementary School. Bourn brings more than 20 years of experience in elementary education to her new role at Taylor, where she has served as interim principal since December 2025.
“Shanda has played an integral role in building a culture of pursuing student and staff success at Taylor Elementary,” Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn said. “I am confident she will continue to build on that strong foundation as she leads the campus forward with a heart for Taylor’s students, families, and staff.”
Bourn began her career in 2003 as a teacher at Purcell Elementary (formerly Johnston Elementary). She taught kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grades at Purcell before being promoted to serve as an instructional coordinator in 2019. In 2022, she began her campus leadership journey as assistant principal for Taylor Elementary and served in that role until December 2025, when she was named interim principal.
“I am honored to be the next leader of Taylor Elementary,” Bourn said. “I care deeply about the students, families, and staff at Taylor and look forward to continuing our work together to lead our students to success.”
Bourn earned a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and a master’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University. She replaces outgoing Taylor principal Leslye Roberts, who was recently named principal of Martinez Elementary School.