CISD administrators are shuffling the deck this summer as they address a number of staff changes. School board trustees have already approved the hiring of eight new teachers—several of them familiar to this community—and shifted six staff members to fill vacancies. They have also absorbed three positions without hiring new personnel.

The latest announcement arrived yesterday when Lawana Pulliam, who has served as the district’s Director of Curriculum & Instructional Technology for seven years, reported that she will be taking a new position with Region 16.

“I wanted to share with you that I have been offered and have accepted an Assistant Director of Innovative Solutions position with Region 16,” Pulliam wrote in a message to her coworkers. “My official start date with them will be July 17, but they are allowing me some flexibility to continue on as needed supporting Canadian to prepare for our new school year.”

Pulliam apologized for the timing of her decision, but promised that her summer responsibilities would be met, and ensured a smooth transition for the upcoming school year.

“My experience in CISD with instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, federal programs, communications, etc. have greatly prepared me for the next step in my professional career,” she said. “While I look forward to my new role, I will sincerely miss being a part of such a wonderful organization.” 

“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow and for the cherished relationships with Canadian staff, students, parents, and community members,” she said in closing. “I appreciate each and every one of you and I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to serve you and our community.”

Superintendent Lynn Pulliam detailed other staff changes that have already been board-approved, as follows:

New-to-CISD teachers (assignment/prior experience)

•Melody Hood – CMS 8th Science (WTAMU, 0 years)

•Mattye Tyler – CMS 7th Science/Coach (LCU, 0 years)

•Kassidy Kelton – CMS 6th Math (Miami ISD, 2 years)

•Eddi Marks – CMS 7th English Language Arts (Canyon ISD, 11 years)

•Braiden Galla – CHS Special Education/Coach (Seminole ISD, 2 years)

•Cameron Copley – CHS Algebra I/Coach (Canyon ISD, 1 year)

•Derek Vasquez – CMS Band Director (Tulia ISD, 7 years)

•Sydney Vasquez – CMS 6th Science (Tulia ISD, 5 years)

New-to-position teachers:

•Tricia Mitchell – CES/BES Elementary Technology

•Kelsie Palmore – CMS 6th Social Studies/Coach

•Nikki Prater – CES Special Education

•Andy Cavalier – Athletic Director/Head Football Coach

•Amy Pierce – BES Interventionist