Principal

Phone: (972) 923-4790

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree, Psychology, John Brown University •Master's degree, Emporia State University

Rusty East, M.Ed.

 

Rusty East, a 1998 graduate of Waxahachie High School, has served as an administrator, teacher, and coach for 15 years.  Mr. East was named principal of Coleman Junior High in 2021.  Before that, he served the district as principal at Felty Elementary, principal and assistant principal of Shackelford Elementary, and as the assistant principal at Finley Junior High.  Mr. East began his career in 2004 at Clarendon College as Head Women's Basketball Coach and student activities director. In 2007, he was named Head Girl's Basketball Coach, Girl's Athletic Coordinator (2010-2014), and teacher at Burleson High School, before 1 year as Head Girl's Basketball Coach at Kemp High School in 2014. He returned home to teach and coach at Waxahachie High School before entering administration.

 

Mr. East holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from John Brown University ('03), a Master of Science degree from Emporia State University ('07), and completed the Principal Preparation Program from Stephen F. Austin University ('15). Additionally, he has served as a classroom teacher in the area of Special Education, Physical Education, and Technology Applications. He is a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) and Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).

 

Mr. East lives in Waxahachie and is married to Kourtney (WHS Class of 1999), who serves as an occupational therapist for WISD. They have 3 children; Hudson, Graham, and Charlotte. 

Assistant Principals

      AP

      Phone: (972) 923-4790

      Email:

      Degrees and Certifications:

      •Bachelor's degree, East Texas State University

      Lisa Minton

       

      Prior to being named AP at Coleman Junior High, Lisa Minton served in the role of student services.  She has been in education for over 26 years and has served Waxahachie ISD for over 20 years. She has taught at elementary, junior high, and high school levels. She has served the district in multiple capacities outside the classroom, including student council, Special Olympics, and she has served on various district committees. She will serve as Coleman’s communications and PIE coordinator, along with many other responsibilities.  Minton graduated from East Texas State University in 1988 after finishing coursework at Abilene Christian in History and Health. Minton is married to her high school sweetheart, Terry, who also serves the district and is the proud mom of three grown WISD graduate daughters. She has three sons-in-law, a granddaughter, a grandson, and another granddaughter coming this year. She is excited about the school year and is happy to serve all of our Chiefs and their families.

       

      A - L (alpha house)

      Phone: (972) 923-4790

      Email:

      Degrees and Certifications:

      •Bachelor's degree, Child and Family Studies, Baylor University •Master's degree, Education, Texas Woman’s University

      Aisha Mason, M.Ed.

       

      Aisha Mason has been in education for seven years. Her career began as a Fort Worth Teaching Fellow and transitioned to a teacher with Fort Worth ISD. During her time, she served as team lead and master teacher. She has taught at the elementary and middle school level. Under the reconstitution of five leadership schools, Aisha was selected to serve as one of the English Language Arts teachers. Within a year, all campuses met standards and made gains in reading and math. While there, Mason was known for her impact on increasing student achievement, modeling best instructional practices, building opportunities for positive school culture, and creating a culturally relevant classroom. While outside of the classroom, she spent her time as a participant with Home Visit Project and Teaching Trust Committee for her campus. Aisha Mason graduated from Baylor University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies. She holds a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University and Principal’s Certification from Lamar University. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Aisha is married to Gary Mason Jr. who also serves in WISD. They are both proud Baylor Bears. She is humbled and truly excited to work alongside the amazing staff, students, and community of the Coleman Chiefs.

      M - Z (alpha house)

      Phone: (972) 923-4790

      Email:

      Degrees and Certifications:

      •Bachelor's degree, Southwestern Assemblies of God University •Master's degree, Educational Leadership, University of Texas at Tyler

      Chris Thompson, M.Ed.

       

      Born and raised in southeast Colorado, Chris Thompson moved to Waxahachie in 2003 to attend Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Here he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and began his teaching career upon graduation. Thompson has spent 14 years as a classroom teacher, teaching mathematics at both high school and junior high levels. Before coming to Waxahachie ISD, he was named the 2014-15 Secondary Teacher of the Year for Red Oak ISD. 

       

      Thompson was chosen as one of two inaugural recipients of the Principal Residency Grant for the 2021-22 school year and worked as the Resident Administrator at Finley Junior High. He recently completed his Master of Educational Leadership degree at the University of Texas at Tyler. 

       

      Thompson is married to Laura Thompson, who serves WISD as an elementary school administrator. The two have been married for 14 years and have two children.

      Resident Principal

      Phone: (972) 923-4790 x32011

      Email:

      Degrees and Certifications:

      •Bachelor's degree, Interdisciplinary Studies, Texas A&M-Commerce •Master's degree, Elementary Education, Texas A&M Commerce •Studying for an additional Master's degree, Educational Leadership, University of Texas-Tyler

      Jane Medrano, M.Ed.

       

      My name is Jane Medrano.  Prior to being chosen as one of six Resident Principals for the 2022-2023 school year, I served in the role of lead educational diagnostician, educational diagnostician, teacher, and aide.  I have been in education for over 17 years.  I started my career with Frost ISD as an aide while working to obtain my bachelor's degree.  I have also taught in Italy ISD and Waxahachie ISD.  I have taught at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels.  I have served as a classroom teacher in the areas of Math, Science, Self-Contained (all subjects), and Special Education.  I was named teacher of the year 2010-2011 and 2013-2014 while teaching in Italy ISD. 

       

      I graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce with my bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies and my master's degree in elementary education.  I am currently attending the University of Texas-Tyler to obtain a master's in educational leadership.   I married my high school sweetheart, Gerardo (Jerry) Medrano.  We have 2 children: Jerri Anne Sanchez (married to Jeremy Sanchez), and Cody Medrano.  We have two grandsons: Roman and Ezekiel Sanchez.  I am excited to be a part of the wonderful staff, students of Coleman Junior High, and the community of Waxahachie Independent School District.