91直播 is pleased to announce LaToya Turner as the new principal at Burgin Elementary School.

Turner is not new to Burgin. She has served as the assistant principal at Burgin since 2020, where she has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff while leading data-driven systems to support best practices and align campus initiatives with district goals.

In addition to her work at Burgin, Turner served as principal of the Morton, Burgin, and Amos Summer Learning program, where she led curriculum implementation, teacher growth, and school safety initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as a testing coordinator, Gifted and Talented specialist, and principal intern. While in the classroom, she was named Teacher of the Year in 2014 in Grand Prairie ISD.

Turner holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, also from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

"She is familiar to our students and staff, and I am confident she will be able to build on those relationships," said 91直播 Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming LaToya Turner into her new role as principal of Burgin Elementary."

91直播 announced today that Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Steven Wurtz will be relocating from the DFW-area and transitioning from the district after 26 years of exceptional service in public education.听

Throughout his tenure in 91直播, Wurtz has progressively served in a variety of leadership roles, including Interim Superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Marcelo Cavazos in 2023. As the Chief Academic Officer, he led teaching and learning shaping curriculum design, post-secondary readiness, instructional coaching and professional learning systems that strengthened practice throughout the organization and advanced academic excellence.听

Dr. Wurtz was instrumental in the expansion of specialized learning opportunities across 91直播 including Early College and P-Tech programs, Career and Technical Education, multilingual learning, STEM, Leadership, and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academies. His work reflects 91直播鈥檚 deep commitment to ensuring every student has access to rigorous and highly relevant learning experiences.听

"Steven has been an exceptional leader and trusted colleague whose commitment to 91直播 has left a lasting impact," said Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. "For more than a decade, he has served our students, staff and community with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering focus on doing what is best for kids. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we are grateful for his many contributions and wish him and his family nothing but the very best in this next chapter."

Wurtz's last day with the district will be in July. 91直播 will begin the process of identifying the district's next chief academic officer.

Brown discucsses student support

鈥淲hen counselors, administrators and staff are aligned in their purpose, it creates consistency in how students are supported and how challenges are addressed.鈥�听

Telisa Brown, 91直播鈥檚 director of guidance and counseling, shared that thought as she discussed the importance of kindness, community, and culture following her selection as the cover feature for .听听

Brown was first invited to participate in the in 2025, a platform that highlights educator voices and leadership while exploring topics such as mental health, well-being, and innovation in public education.听

During the podcast, Brown emphasized that student success extends beyond academics, noting that a strong school culture and mental support systems play a critical role in helping students thrive.听

When asked to describe a moment she realized her work was making a difference, Brown pointed to the power of systems working together.听

鈥淎s a director, that realization doesn鈥檛 come from one student鈥檚 progress alone,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淚t comes from seeing the system work as intended. Counselors feel supported and confident, campuses are aligned in their approach, and students are receiving what they need. Those moments show the real impact of the work.鈥�听

That commitment to kindness, visibility, and advocacy for educators later led to Brown being featured in the inaugural issue of Oxygen for Educators magazine and selected for the cover.

鈥淲hile I was excited and honored, I was also very humbled,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淚t was truly a surprise, and I鈥檓 thankful for the recognition.鈥�听

When the magazine went to press, Oxygen for Educators hosted a launch event last month honoring educators who go above and beyond for students. Brown was among those recognized during the celebration.听

Reflecting on the honor, Brown credited much of her success to collaboration and shared purpose among her colleagues.听

鈥淲hen counselors, administrators, and staff are aligned, it creates consistency in how students are supported and how challenges are addressed,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭hat collective effort strengthens programs and ensures students receive the care they need every day.鈥�听

While proud of the recognition, Brown said her focus remains forward-looking as the school year comes to a close.听

鈥淚 plan to reflect on progress and growth, recognize effort and resilience, and acknowledge challenges that have strengthened positive coping skills,鈥� Brown said.听

She added that her work will continue to center on supporting students, counselors, administrators, and staff as they navigate the transitions between school years and prepare for what comes next.听

91直播 will continue its commitment to strong financial stewardship and transparency with its new Chief Financial Officer. The 91直播 Board of Trustees tonight appointed Norberto Rivas, the district鈥檚 current Interim Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Financial Officer. Rivas had been 91直播's Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services prior to being named Interim Chief Financial Officer in July.

Rivas brings more than 15 years of experience in public school finance, including over a decade as Chief Financial Officer at San Elizario ISD. Known for his steady, data-driven approach, he maintained strong fund balances even during periods of declining enrollment, oversaw the successful execution of a $28 million bond program and consistently secured Superior financial ratings and clean audits. His conservative financial leadership and commitment to operational efficiency will help guide 91直播 through its continued journey of fiscal responsibility.

Rivas is a Certified Public Accountant with bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in business administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. He also participates in the Future-Ready Superintendent鈥檚 Leadership Network, a statewide initiative focused on continuous improvement and innovation.

With this appointment, 91直播 remains focused on transparent financial management and ensuring resources are aligned to support students and staff.

滨迟鈥檚 ! In the 91直播 we know how vital the role is that our APs play at every campus. They make a huge impact on the success of our students and staff. In honor of this week, we鈥檙e spotlighting several APs throughout the district.

Today we鈥檙e shining the spotlight on Bebensee Elementary assistant principal Demorris Vance.听

Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi

Colleges: Dallas Baptist University and Prairie View A&M University

Favorite hobbies: Spending time with family

Years in 91直播: 13

鈥� What made you want to become an AP?

I wanted to inspire and encourage more students to become the best version of themselves. To teach them to not give up on themselves when others do not see their potential. As a teacher you get to influence 30, maybe 60 students, per year, but I wanted to give guidance to as many as I could.

鈥� What route did you take to becoming an AP?

Well, I have always been open to critique so that I could become better at whatever it was I was doing. But to prepare myself in becoming an AP, every day, I would learn from others by observing and 鈥渨alking in their shoes鈥� as frequently as allowed. I also attended professional developments geared toward leadership.

鈥禾�What鈥檚 your favorite element of being an AP?听

Helping students understand that everyone makes mistakes, but we must learn from them and do better is my favorite element of being an AP. Everyone must learn to get up after a fall or else we will never learn how to rise and soar.

鈥禾�Describe the legacy you want to leave at this school.

I want to be remembered as an educator that genuinely cared for all and that it takes a village to raise a child. The village includes not only the students and teachers but the cafeteria workers, custodians and aides. We are all equally important.

鈥禾�What鈥檚 one piece of advice you鈥檇 give your younger self?听

Do not forget to have fun and enjoy life while making a living!听