Three Mansfield ISD campuses will be welcoming new leaders who are already very familiar with the district.

Kia McAdams-Johnson is the new principal of Erma Nash Elementary School, Catherine McGuinness is now the principal of Martha Reid Leadership Academy, and Mico Rhines will be the head of Thelma Jones Elementary School.

They were all assistant principals at MISD prior to this latest promotion.

McAdams-Johnson most recently served as the assistant principal of Nash Elementary. She started her career as a second-grade bilingual teacher in Dallas and held other teaching positions before moving to the administrative side.

McAdams-Johnson has always had a passion for education because she believes it helps people change the trajectory of their lives. She said she transitioned into administration to help teachers be the best they can be so that students can get the best education.

“I am so excited to continue my journey with the students and families of Erma Nash Elementary School,” she said. “I look forward to strengthening our relationships and really making a positive impact in the lives of our students this year and in the years to come.”

McAdams-Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and a Master of Education from Southern Methodist University.

McGuinness came to Mansfield ISD in 2008 as a social studies teacher at Legacy High School. In 2012, she was named the district’s teacher of the year. She became an MISD educational technology trainer the following year.

In 2016, McGuinness was selected as the assistant principal for Martha Reid Leadership Academy. She is proud to continue serving the campus as the new principal.

“I look forward to the great things our campus will accomplish,” she said. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to work with the students, faculty and staff of Martha Reid Leadership Academy and be a part of MISD as a district of innovation that puts students first and has a clear vision for the future.”

McGuinness earned her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from Midwestern State University and her Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from Western New Mexico State University.

Rhines began her educational career as a third-grade teacher in Arkansas. She started teaching in Mansfield ISD in 2005 at Elizabeth Smith Elementary School and then Anna May Daulton Elementary School.

In 2015, Rhines began serving as assistant principal of J.L. Boren Elementary School. She said her ultimate desire as the new principal of Jones Elementary is to be a servant leader who brings out the best in everyone.

“I want our families to know that Thelma Jones Elementary School is not just a place where students come to learn. We educate the whole child by preparing them for life beyond our campus,” she said. “My goal is to create an environment where everyone can work hard and have fun.”

Rhines has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of North Texas at Dallas.

The official start date for these three new principals is July 15.