Killeen ISD continues to strengthen campus leadership for the 2026–2027 school year, naming six new secondary principals following the district’s March announcement of four elementary principals.
Five of the six secondary principals were developed within the district and are stepping into expanded leadership roles, reflecting the district’s continued focus on building a strong leadership pipeline and promoting educators who know the community, understand student needs, and are committed to long-term success.
“These are important roles for our campuses,” Superintendent Dr. King Davis said. “We’ve found committed and experienced leaders who understand what it takes to support our students and staff every day. I’m confident in these leaders and the work they’re ready to do.”
Dr. Janelle Muhammad has been named principal of Killeen High School.
Muhammad currently serves as principal of Rancier Middle School, where she has led the campus since 2023. With more than two decades of experience in Killeen ISD, she has served as a teacher, instructional specialist, and assistant principal before becoming a principal.
Guided by her core belief of people first, instruction always and a culture of excellence, Muhammad is known for leading academic and cultural improvements, strengthening campus systems and increasing family engagement. In 2025, she was named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Region 12 Outstanding Principal of the Year.
She holds a doctorate in transformational leadership from Concordia University, Portland, and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University–Central Texas.
Michael Valentine has been named principal of Rancier Middle School.
Valentine currently serves as dean of instruction at Palo Alto Middle School and will succeed Muhammad in the role. He brings nearly two decades of experience in Killeen ISD and has worked as an instructional aide, teacher, interventionist and assistant principal, supporting both elementary and secondary campuses.
He is known for building relationships with students and families, strengthening instructional systems, supporting teacher development, and improving student achievement through data-driven practices.
He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas A&M University–Central Texas.
Joshua Rainwater will serve as principal of C.E. Ellison High School.
Rainwater currently serves as principal of Union Grove Middle School and has a long history of leadership and service within Killeen ISD. His career includes working as a substitute, paraprofessional, teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, all while building strong relationships with students, staff and families.
He previously taught and coached at C.E. Ellison High School, giving him direct experience with the campus and its community. He is known for his focus on school culture and student engagement and has led efforts to strengthen campus climate and develop staff.
Rainwater earned a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University.
Ben Hess will serve as principal of Union Grove Middle School.
Hess has served as dean of instruction at Union Grove Middle School for the last two years and will succeed Rainwater as principal. He also brings six years of experience as an assistant principal, supporting campus operations, student discipline systems and instructional leadership. He also previously taught at Killeen High School for eight years.
He is known for supporting students and staff while maintaining strong campus systems and a positive learning environment.
Hess earned his bachelor’s degree fron the University of North Texas and a master’s degree and principal certification from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Darion Walton has been named principal of Robert M. Shoemaker High School.
Walton currently serves as principal at Trinity Basin Preparatory in Dallas and is the district’s only external principal hire in this group. He brings experience leading large campuses, improving academic outcomes and building strong school cultures.
Under his leadership, his current campus improved student performance and implemented systems to increase engagement and achievement. He is known for using data-driven strategies, developing staff capacity and creating positive learning environments.
He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University and earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Sam Houston State University.
Dr. Alime Sadikova will serve as principal of Early College High School.
Sadikova currently serves as interim principal at Early College High School and brings extensive experience in early college leadership and higher education partnerships. She previously served as principal of Manor ISD’s Early College High School and has worked closely with college partners to expand opportunities for students.
Her background includes leadership in both K-12 and higher education, with a focus on college readiness, curriculum development, and student success.
She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in educational leadership from Texas Tech University.
With these appointments, Killeen ISD continues to strengthen its leadership pipeline by promoting experienced educators who are committed to the district and the students it serves.