The Board of Trustees on April 15 unanimously approved the hiring of six new administrators for the 2026–2027 school year. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles as they support the students, staff, and community of La Porte ISD.

Martha Torres – Principal at College Park Elementary

Ms. Torres has served the campus well as its Assistant Principal for the last two years. Her 22 years in education also includes prior roles as assistant principal and bilingual teacher in Houston ISD. A proud La Porte graduate, she holds a bachelor's degree from University of Houston – Clear Lake and a master's degree from Lamar University. We look forward to Ms. Torres’ leadership at College Park.  

Jaime Arizpe – Principal at Baker 6th Grade Campus

Mr. Arizpe has served as Baker’s Assistant Principal since 2023 and is a product of our Aspiring Leaders Academy. With 17 years of experience in education, he has also served as History teacher and coach at La Porte High School and in Northside ISD. He holds a bachelor's degree in social studies from Abilene Christian University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin University and is pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Arizpe to this new leadership role at Baker. 

Steven Cassity – Assistant Principal at La Porte High School

Mr. Cassity currently serves as High School Assistant Principal in Clear Creek ISD, and has been in this role for 4 years. He has also been an English teacher and coach in Pasadena ISD and has a total of 10 years of experience in education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Language Arts from Kent State University and a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. We are looking forward to Mr. Cassity joining the leadership team at La Porte High School.

Jennifer Upshaw – Director of Research, Accountability and Federal Programs

Ms. Jennifer Upshaw will transition from her role as Director of Special Education to Director of Research, Accountability, and Federal Programs. Ms. Upshaw has served the district for 20 of her 29 years in education, including assistant principal, behavior specialist, and special education teacher. Ms. Upshaw holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Special Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. We look forward to Ms. Upshaw’s contributions to La Porte ISD in this new role. 

Misty Mikulin – Director of Maintenance & Facilities

Ms. Mikulin steps into this role with 19 years of experience in the district, currently serving as the Manager of Planning & Facilities. She has held previous roles as coordinator of support services, purchasing and maintenance specialist, and campus and department administrative assistant. She holds certifications through the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and remains committed to ongoing professional growth by pursuing her bachelor’s degree. A proud La Porte graduate, Ms. Mikulin is looking forward to continuing to support the district. Please join me in welcoming her to this new role. 

Samantha Pugh – Director of Transportation

Ms. Pugh has been with La Porte ISD for 8 years, where she currently serves as the supervisor for routing and logistics. She also brings 12 years of experience as a bus driver both in La Porte ISD and Clear Creek ISD. Ms. Pugh holds a transportation supervisor certification from the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in human resources. Ms. Pugh’s demonstrated leadership will serve the department and the district well in this new role. Please join me in welcoming her to this new role.