Hays CISD Board Of Trustees Names New Principal For Science Hall Elementary School

“(Karen) has been a part of the Hays CISD family longer than most and she is a respected school leader. Her talent and love for children are among the many qualities that will quickly endear her to the Science Hall community,” Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said.

At the August 31, 2017, board meeting, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved hiring Karen Zuniga as the new principal for Science Hall Elementary School.

Zuniga is a long-time Hays CISD resident, a Hays High School graduate, and a career Hays CISD educator.

“We are excited to have Karen as our newest principal,” said Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer. “She has been a part of the Hays CISD family longer than most and she is a respected school leader. Her talent and love for children are among the many qualities that will quickly endear her to the Science Hall community.”

Zuniga began her education career as a teacher at Hemphill Elementary School in Hays CISD in 2002.  Zuniga also taught at Tobias Elementary and Chapa Middle School before becoming an instructional strategist.

In 2013, she was named the assistant principal at Chapa Middle School, which was granted the prestigious designation of a Texas School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. In 2017, Zuniga served as the Hays CISD Summer School principal.

“Karen is not only a seasoned educator, she is also deeply committed to the communities and children in our district,” said Savoy. “She was raised in Buda and is a current resident of Kyle. She is an active volunteer with a 30-year record of service at a variety of local organizations that benefit children.”

Zuniga is the first member of her family to earn a college degree. She earned her a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on Special Education from Texas State University. She also holds two masters degrees – one in curriculum and instruction from Texas State University and another in educational administration from Lamar University.

Among her many awards and achievements, Zuniga has been named the Chapa Middle School Teacher of the Year and an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award semifinalist in the teacher leadership category.