At the May 5 Bryan ISD School Board Workshop, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved Jessica Pany as the next Principal of Mitchell Elementary School, following Shari Hedstrom’s retirement at the end of this year. Pany will move into the position after serving in multiple roles in Bryan ISD.
Ms. Pany’s 28 years of educational experience span from classroom teacher to campus administration. She began her Bryan ISD teaching career at Jones Elementary School prior to transitioning to Crockett Elementary where she served as the Dean of Instruction and Assistant Principal. Currently an Instructional Coach within the district, Ms. Pany works with students and teachers at Crockett and Mitchell Elementary. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Texas A&M University.
“I have gotten to the point in my career where people have poured into me for so many years to help make me the educator that I am today, that it's my time now to pour in and grow teachers and educators and students,” she said. She is excited to lead Mitchell where she has been working with students and teachers since 2019.
As Principal, she wants to continue the momentum at Mitchell while supporting students and staff. She believes that a key aspect of an effective leader is establishing and continuing to grow relationships with the school community.
“I feel like I’ve kind of won the lottery,” she said. “I just feel so blessed to have this amazing opportunity. … I’m just excited to lead an incredible group of teachers and empower students and work with some amazing families.”
Ms. Carrabine shared, “Ms. Pany’s commitment to supporting educators and engaging with families will maintain the tremendous momentum of excellence at Mitchell Elementary. Her excitement about working with our students is contagious, and we are thrilled to have her lead our school community.”
