Killeen ISD continues to invest in strong campus leadership, naming four new principals for the 2026-2027 school year—each with a track record of serving students and growing within the district.
Each of these educators brings years of experience in KISD classrooms and campuses, reflecting the district’s commitment to developing leaders who understand the community and are focused on student success.
“These are people who know our schools, our students, and our expectations,” said Superintendent Dr. King Davis. “They’ve put in the work, they’ve built relationships, and they care about kids. That matters. We’re proud to see them step into these roles. In Killeen ISD, we believe in growing our own leaders. This is a strong example of that.”
Crystal Smith has been named the new principal at Hay Branch Elementary.
Smith currently serves as assistant principal at Meadows Elementary and has been with KISD since 2012, when she began her career as an instructional aide.
Over the past 14 years, she has served as a teacher, district instructional coach, and campus instructional specialist, building a strong foundation in both classroom instruction and campus leadership.
Known for building strong relationships with students and staff, Smith brings a steady, student-centered approach that will support learning and strengthen campus culture at Hay Branch.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree from Lamar University.
Jessica Askew will serve as the new principal at Ira Cross Elementary.
Askew began her career in KISD as a paraprofessional at Ira Cross before becoming a fifth-grade teacher, where she served from 2014 to 2021. She has since held roles as a campus instructional specialist and assistant principal at Ira Cross and Manor Middle School.
Her experience across multiple roles on the same campus gives her a deep understanding of the Ira Cross community and its students.
Askew is known for supporting both students and teachers, building strong campus teams, and creating environments where staff and students can succeed.
She earned a bachelor’s degree through coursework at Texas A&M-Central Texas and Tarleton State University, and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Rikki Harper has been appointed as the next principal at Maude Moore Wood Elementary.
Currently serving as assistant principal at Skipcha Elementary, Harper brings a wide range of experience, including roles as a classroom teacher, dyslexia teacher, interventionist, summer school director, and campus instructional specialist.
Her background allows her to support both students and teachers with a clear focus on instruction and student growth.
Harper is known for her thoughtful approach to decision-making and her ability to support strong teaching practices across the campus.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-Central Texas and a master’s degree from Western Governors University.
Chelsy Rainwater will serve as the new principal at Reeces Creek Elementary.
Rainwater has been with KISD since 2012, beginning her career as a classroom teacher, where she served for 10 years. She later moved into campus leadership roles as an instructional specialist and currently serves as assistant principal at Harker Heights Elementary.
Her experience in both the classroom and campus leadership roles gives her a strong understanding of what students and teachers need to be successful.
Rainwater is known for supporting staff, setting clear expectations, and creating structured learning environments where students can thrive.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree from Lamar University.
Killeen ISD is continuing the hiring process for open principal positions and expects to name new leaders at additional schools soon.