Abilene ISD is pleased to announce that Melissa Scott has been named executive director for elementary curriculum and instruction. Scott will promote student, teacher, and staff success by overseeing the development and implementation of high-quality teaching and learning practices across all district elementary schools. She succeeds Keri Thornburg, who is retiring after many outstanding years of service to Abilene ISD students and staff.
A proven instructional leader in AISD with 15 years of experience in Texas public education, Scott has served as principal of Stafford Elementary School since 2020. Under her leadership, Stafford experienced a comprehensive school turnaround with strong improvements to campus accountability ratings. Scott drove Stafford’s transformation with her team by establishing data-driven systems to promote Tier I instruction, PLC collaboration, teacher leadership, family and community engagement, and a sense of belonging and positive school culture for every student.
“Serving the Stafford Elementary community has been the greatest honor of my career. The students, families, and staff have created a culture rooted in care and a shared commitment to excellence, and I look forward to staying connected to the important work happening there,” Scott said. “While it is difficult to leave a place that means so much to me, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help support the success of all elementary campuses across our district.”
Scott first joined AISD in 2014 as a teacher and grade level leader at the former Reagan Elementary after serving as an elementary math and science teacher in Belton ISD. Prior to earning her principalship at Stafford, Scott also supported teacher growth and development as an instructional coach for Clack Middle School from 2018 to 2020.
“Melissa has clearly proven her ability to build successful systems and healthy school cultures rooted in strong relationships,” Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn said. “I look forward to supporting her as she strives to provide all of our elementary learners with the school leaders, teachers, and learning environments they need to thrive.”
Scott holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.