Celebrating Assistant Principals: Key Leaders in Education

EL PASO, Texas – From April 7-11, IDEA Public Schools is honoring National Assistant Principals Week, recognizing the dedication of Assistant Principals of Operations (APOs) and Assistant Principals of Instruction (APIs) who play vital roles in the success of the school community.

These educational leaders ensure that schools provide safe, successful, and supportive environments for students, teachers, and families. The importance of campus leadership teams cannot be understated; they are crucial in creating conducive learning spaces and promoting positive workplace environments.

To kick off the celebration, two exceptional assistant principals were spotlighted. Denise Franco, an APO at IDEA Horizon Vista in El Paso, manages various operational aspects of her campus, ensuring it functions seamlessly so that teachers can focus on instruction and students can engage in their learning.

Franco begins each day by reviewing her calendar and writing down her priorities. Her daily routines include conducting campus walkthroughs to ensure safety, where she checks that all doors are secure. A significant focus of her role is ensuring students feel safe from their arrival at the school gate.

Every day, Franco leads the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) meeting with grade team leaders, counselors, and other staff to analyze attendance trends and strategize ways to elevate student attendance. Since the opening of IDEA Horizon Vista in 2020, she has been instrumental in fostering both campus operations and a strong community relationship with families.

“My students inspire me every morning,” said Franco. “When they walk in with their big smiles, I know I have a chance to brighten their days.”

Nora Cuevas, the API at IDEA Toros in the Rio Grande Valley, shares a similar passion for her role in education. Each day presents different challenges, from classroom observations to managing testing schedules.

An essential aspect of Cuevas’ role involves maintaining open communication with teachers to understand student needs. By observing instructional practices, she ensures that students have adequate academic support to stay on track for graduation.

Colleagues describe Cuevas as “deeply passionate,” emphasizing her commitment to leading by example. Known for rolling up her sleeves to support her teachers, she fosters a culture rooted in mutual support and accountability.

Having started as a founding teacher in 2016, Cuevas has witnessed remarkable growth among her students and staff alike. “My teachers are the heart and soul of the school,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see their professional growth, and I’m proud to work alongside them every day.”

IDEA Public Schools encourages individuals interested in leadership positions to apply for opportunities in their campuses for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, contributing to the growth and success of the educational community.