Staff of the Year Celebration

May 15, 2025, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX -- Lancaster ISD proudly announces its 2024-2025 staff members and department of the year. The winners were revealed with a surprise party patrol featuring Superintendent of Schools Dr. Katrise Perera, Board Trustees Marion Hamilton and Quinnie Nichols, members of the district’s executive leadership team, and instructional leaders. Each staff of the year awardee was joined by family members during the announcement. Thanks to the Staff of the Year event sponsors, each awardee also received a sponsorship check for their achievement.

Lancaster ISD employees with diverse teaching styles and skills have been selected for the 2024-2025 Paraprofessional, New Teacher, Principal, Secondary and Elementary Teacher, Employee, Instructional Employee, and Department of the Year. Listed below are the outstanding educators who were honored:

Paraprofessional of the Year

Dorothy Belton

Rolling Hills Elementary

ECSE Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional of the Year

Ms. Dorothy Belton, a dedicated team member at Rolling Hills Elementary, and has been named Lancaster ISD’s Paraprofessional of the Year. She began her journey with the district 10 years ago as a member of the custodial staff and later transitioned into the role of paraprofessional, where she has made a lasting impact over the past two years.

Inspired by her experience helping care for her niece and nephew with autism, Ms. Belton felt called to work more closely with students who are in need of extra support. Her calm presence, compassion, and ability to connect with students have made her an essential part of the Rolling Hills community. Always ready to lend a hand to students and staff alike, Ms. Belton goes above and beyond each day to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.


New Teacher of the Year

Victoria Mitchell

3rd Grade Science

Rosa Parks/Millbrook Elementary

New Teacher of the Year

Victoria Mitchell has made a remarkable impact in her first year as an educator. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success, she engages her classroom through high expectations, motivational leadership, and innovative instructional practices. Ms. Mitchell differentiates learning to meet individual student needs and uses academic coaching strategies that help students set goals, track progress, and achieve growth.

Despite the challenges of a first-year teacher, she has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a constant desire to improve her craft. Her positive attitude, creative lessons, and dedication to excellence have already made her a standout on campus.

Victoria Mitchell exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional new teacher. She is motivated, impactful, and deeply committed to student success.


Elementary Teacher of the Year

Shalundria Bell

3rd Grade Math

Pleasant Run Elementary

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Since 2018, Shalundria Bell has brought passion, purpose, and innovation to Lancaster ISD classrooms. Guided by the belief that every child deserves both academic excellence and emotional support, she creates learning environments where students are empowered to reach their full potential.

With two master’s degrees, one in Social Work and another in Educational Leadership, Ms. Bell combines academic rigor with social-emotional learning to drive student success. Her creative “Tiger Bucks” classroom economy turns math into a real-world experience, building financial literacy and classroom community.

Her impact speaks for itself: 96% student passing rates in both math and reading, ALL-STAAR Teacher honors, and designation as a Teacher Incentive Allotment Designee. A leader in and out of the classroom, Ms. Bell also contributes to state education committees and champions culturally responsive teaching.

Ms. Bell doesn’t just teach, she inspires, uplifts, and prepares students for life beyond the classroom.


Secondary Teacher of the Year

Joseph Thomas

A/V Production

Lancaster High School

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Joseph Thomas brings a unique blend of professional media experience and educational passion to the classroom. Since joining the Lancaster ISD family, he has restored the Audio/Video Production class into a dynamic, career-ready program. Now in his fifth year, Mr. Thomas has guided students to produce industry-level projects, including a documentary featured on Amazon Prime.

Beyond the classroom, he leads with heart and purpose. As a core sponsor of the Society of Gentlemen and founder of TEAM (Together Enriching A lot as Men), he empowers young men through mentorship, leadership development, and life skills. His commitment to excellence, student growth, and positive school culture has made a lasting impact across campus. Mr. Thomas aims to make a difference in students’ lives each day and believes he is a builder of futures. He is proving that with the right guidance, students can create, lead, and leave a lasting legacy.


Principal of the Year

Gail Wright

GWC 6th Grade STEM Learning Center

Principal of the Year

Gail Wright has been a transformative leader in Lancaster ISD and a successful principal. She was chosen to lead GWC with a focus on removing the campus from IR status—a challenging goal she is accomplishing day by day. Under her leadership, campus academic achievement has improved year over year, with significant gains among sub-populations and ethnic groups when reviewing progression evidence. In math, GWC has also received commendable success by closing achievement gaps across these groups. Though students spend only one year at GWC, Ms. Wright’s impact is clear: she motivates students, ensures accountability, and fosters a positive, hardworking culture. Campus achievement has increased, reflecting her daily commitment to student success. Wright’s dedication and vision continue to inspire both staff and students, laying a strong foundation for lasting success at GWC and throughout Lancaster ISD.


Instructional Leader of the Year

Crystal Cromer

Executive Director of Special Education

Special Education Department

Instructional Leader of the Year

Crystal Cromer, a valued member of the Lancaster ISD executive leadership team, has been named Instructional Leader of the Year for her transformative leadership of the Special Education Department. Tasked with improving departmental operations, Mrs. Cromer has been the driving force behind increased compliance, expanded student services, and stronger accountability, ensuring students are well-supported and the district remains in good standing with TEA.

Her efforts have resulted in upgraded sensory rooms, monthly family engagement nights, the launch of the Tiger Café work-based learning program, and a successful Special Olympics track meet. While she often credits her team for the department’s success, her vision, commitment to excellence, and focus on parent involvement and transparency have set the tone. We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Cromer for the positive change she continues to lead across Lancaster ISD.


Employee of the Year

Dr. Marcus Jackson

Chief of Student Services

Student Services Department

employee of the year

Dr. Marcus Jackson, Chief of Student Services, is far more than his title suggests. He is a driving force behind Lancaster ISD’s commitment to removing barriers and ensuring every student has a path to success. From student discipline and attendance to the Student Code of Conduct and support for homeless students, Dr. Jackson is deeply involved in every effort that impacts the whole child.

Under his leadership, the Student Services team has made powerful strides improving attendance, launching the WEBO Market to provide food and personal care items for families, and securing $550,000 in funding to expand student health access. The team also initiated a district-wide wellness event to support employee health and build community.

Dr. Jackson’s impact is also personal. He has directly worked with students to ensure they cross the graduation stage, contributing to Lancaster ISD’s impressive 100% graduation rate for four consecutive years. A tireless advocate and motivator, he is known throughout the district for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student.


Department of the Year

Technology Department

Department of the Year

Working behind the scenes and around the clock, our Technology Department rebuilt the district’s network, upgraded audio and wireless systems, and maintained 100% network uptime. Their strong cybersecurity efforts earned student certifications, and for their tireless support across all departments, they were named Lancaster ISD’s 2024–2025 Department of the Year.

2024-2025 Staff of the Year Sponsors

  • SkyBox Data Centers

  • Integra

  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter

  • Curio Kitchen Market

  • Hug BBQ

  • Gelü Italian Ice

Lancaster ISD serves over 7,000 students across twelve campuses and is committed to providing all students with a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment. The district is proud of its staff and dedication to helping students achieve their full potential. Click here to check out photos from the party patrol.