Ms. Gayle Voltz, director of Varnett’s East campus, was among those recognized as exceptional school leaders by the Region 4 Education Service Center at a ceremony on April 5, 2023.
Ms. Voltz was honored for leading her campus to an A rating based on STAAR assessment results, staff retention and school culture. She was among 84 school leaders recognized at the event.
Region 4 serves an eight-county area comprised of 48 public school districts and 41 open-enrollment charter schools, representing more than 1.2 million students, 165,000 educators, and 1,500 campuses.
Among those in attendance were Dr. Nita White, Varnett’s new superintendent, and Madyson Voltz, the 16-year-old granddaughter of Ms. Voltz's and a graduate of Varnett.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Jenny McGown, superintendent of Klein ISD. Dr. McGown was one of five finalists statewide for the 2022 Superintendent of the Year Award and was Region 4’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year. Both she and Ms. Voltz graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Tx.
“It was an honor to be recognized and to be celebrated with my peers,” Ms. Voltz said. “I’m thrilled that my granddaughter was able to take part in this special event."
All honorees received a Region 4 crystal plaque with the names of the principal, school and the year 2022-2023.
"I would like to thank the East Campus family, staff, and students who are the reason I was chosen principal of the year," Voltz said. "Every year the staff works passionately as a team to have brought our students to the level of an A-rated campus. I could not have achieved the accolades without their unending support. Once again thank you for all you do every day and all year long."
Way to go, Ms. Voltz. Varnett is proud of you!