new principals

On Thursday, May 18, the Victoria ISD School Board appointed Monica Jones as the principal of Shields Elementary, Lisa Hildebrand as the principal of Torres Elementary, and Erin Mills as the principal of Vickers Elementary.

Shields Elementary

Monica Jones comes back to Victoria ISD with 18 years of education experience after spending the last five years with Region 3 Education Service Center as the Director of School Improvement. Jones has previously served as assistant principal for VISD at Victoria East High School and Cade Middle School. In 2009, Jones was named Teacher of Year for Travis Middle School in Calhoun County ISD. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Houston-Victoria and a Master of Education with an All-Level Principal Certification from Lamar University.

“I am excited to return to VISD and for the new opportunity as the Shields Elementary principal,” said Jones, “and I’m proud to be the newest member of the Shark family!”

Torres Elementary

Lisa Hildebrand has over two decades of educational experience, all of which have occurred in VISD. After beginning her teaching career at O’Connor Elementary, Hildebrand went on to teach third grade at Torres and was a learning facilitator and instructional coach. Most recently, she has served as the Assistant Principal of Torres Elementary for the last four years. Hildebrand is a Victoria ISD alum. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Skills from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Educational Administration from Lamar University.

“Over the past 14 years at Torres, I have been fortunate to witness the incredible growth and potential of our students and staff,” said Hildebrand. “I am committed to fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  Together, we will inspire a love for learning and empower our students to set goals which will enable them to reach their highest potential.”

Vickers Elementary

Erin Mills comes to Vickers Elementary with over two decades of educational experience, most recently as a first grade teacher at Smith STEM Academy. Mills has experience as an instructional coordinator and coach and has held campus administrative positions in both Cuero ISD (assistant principal) and Gonzalez ISD (principal). Mills was most recently named the 2023 Teacher of the Year for Smith STEM Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Curriculum & Instruction, Administration & Supervision from the University of Phoenix-St. Thomas. 

“I am excited to join Vickers Elementary as the new principal and have the wonderful opportunity to work alongside such a talented and dedicated staff,”  said Mills. “I am eager to work collaboratively with the Vickers community to enhance the positive and inclusive school culture.” 

An elementary principal’s primary duties include directing and managing instruction programs and supervising operations at a campus level, providing leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service, overseeing compliance with district policies, the success of instructional programs, and operating all campus activities.

We are thrilled to have these new principals as a part of #TeamVISD!