Abilene ISD is proud to announce two significant leadership appointments: Jay Ashby has been promoted to executive director for innovation and program development, and Brandon Randell has been selected as the new ATEMS principal and director of The LIFT.
Ashby joined Abilene ISD as a teacher in 2011 and has served as ATEMS principal and director of The LIFT for the last four years. In his new role he will steer the district’s innovation and grant-funded development programs, including the Building Brighter Futures initiative and ongoing changes to the district’s strategic footprint. He succeeds Dr. Karen Munoz, who will retire after a distinguished career with AISD.
“I’m excited for this new opportunity to support even more campuses across Abilene ISD,” Ashby said. “Leading ATEMS and The LIFT has been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built together. I’m grateful for the students, staff, and families I’ve worked with, and I know ATEMS and The LIFT will continue to thrive.”
Ashby holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University, a master’s in education administration from Lamar University, and a degree in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University.
Brandon Randell will take Ashby’s place as the leader of ATEMS and The LIFT after serving as assistant director at the campus for the past four years. A graduate of Abilene ISD, Randell joined AISD as a chemistry teacher in 2011. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Cisco College and assistant principal at Cooper High School.
“My time at ATEMS has been an amazing experience, working with an outstanding staff and the most creative students,” Randell said. “Incredible things happen on this campus and in the district every day, and I feel so fortunate to be part of that. I look forward to building on the success of this amazing school community.”
Randell earned his bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.
“These two leadership changes mark an exciting step forward in our commitment to providing every AISD student with access to exceptional academic experiences,” Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn said. “Jay Ashby’s visionary leadership will bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to our innovation efforts, and ATEMS will continue to thrive with an established and experienced leader in Brandon Randell.”