As students, parents, staff and teachers prepare for the 2026-27 school year at Azle Independent School District, all 12 campus principals are already engaged and ready to welcome everyone into their schools for another exciting year ahead.
Keep reading below to learn more about each principal as well as the passion, knowledge and leadership they bring to ensure their students’ success.
AZLE HIGH SCHOOL: NATE DRIVER
Nate Driver brings 18 years of public education experience to his role, having served as a middle school math teacher, coach and assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels before stepping into the role of principal at Azle High School four years ago.
Driver holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s in educational leadership from West Texas A&M University.
Outside school, he and his wife of 17 years, Shelby, are raising three active children, Brady, Madelyn and Grace, and their golden retriever puppy, Ruby. In his free time, he enjoys camping with his family and attending his kids' many sporting events and activities.
AZLE JUNIOR HIGH: STACE BOWEN
Stace Bowen will begin his second full year as principal of Azle Junior High.
Bowen — who came to Azle ISD in 2024 as an assistant principal at Azle High School — has served in public education for more than 15 years, teaching various subjects and coaching at the junior high and high school levels before moving into administration.
Bowen grew up in Azle and attended Walnut Creek Elementary, the historic “Rock School,” Azle Junior High and Azle High School. After he graduated from AHS in 2006, Bowen earned a Bachelor of Science in management from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Angelo State University.
In his free time, Bowen enjoys traveling, being outdoors and spending quality time with his family and friends.
SANTO J. FORTE JUNIOR HIGH: DR. STEPHANIE “STEVI” NORRIS
Dr. Stevi Norris brings 15 years of public education experience to her role, having previously served as a teacher certification specialist at the Education Service Center, an assistant principal, and junior high teacher and coach.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M, a master’s from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a doctorate in curriculum, instruction and leadership from the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Outside the classroom, she resides in Fort Worth with her husband, Dylan, their son, Max, and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies with her family.
AZLE ELEMENTARY: DUSTIN BELL
Dustin Bell — principal at Azle Elementary — has been in education for 22 years and recently completed his first year as the school’s principal.
He has been married to Ashleigh for 25 years, and they have three “amazing” kids: Chloe, Blythe and Hank.
“I absolutely love working in Azle ISD,” Bell said. “The Azle community is incredible, and I truly believe that we have some of the best students and educators in the state of Texas!”
CROSS TIMBERS ELEMENTARY: SHELLY WYNNS
Shelly Wynns will be starting her eighth year as principal of Cross Timbers Elementary. Prior to stepping into the position, she taught special education, fourth grade and was the assistant principal at Eagle Heights Elementary.
Wynns has been married for 32 years to her husband, Corey. She has three daughters and a son-in-law — all of whom graduated from Azle ISD — and now, two of her daughters are teachers in the district as well. Wynns said she is also expecting her first grandbaby in November and that she can’t wait to be her Lolli.
“I love my district and adore my school,” Wynns said. “I can’t wait to get this school year started and welcome students back on campus! Go Hornets!”
EAGLE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: CATHERINE “KATY” REED
Katy Reed, who brings 17 years of experience in public education, will begin her first year as principal of Eagle Heights Elementary.
A graduate of Texas Woman’s University, she holds both a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a master’s degree in teaching. Before becoming a principal, she served as an assistant principal for three years, testing coordinator for five years and a teacher for seven years.
"I love helping others and finding ways to help students and teachers reach their full potential, while keeping school fun,” Reed said. “When I'm not at school, you can usually find me shopping, going to a concert or spending time with my family. I believe in kindness and working together to make our community a better place. I also believe that strong relationships are the key to collective success for everyone."
HILLTOP ELEMENTARY: AMANDA HOUSE
A proud Azle High School graduate, Amanda House is entering her 14th year in education and was named principal of Hilltop Elementary in March 2026.
She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University and is deeply passionate about serving the community that raised her. She is focused on fostering an inclusive school family where every child has the opportunity to grow and develop.
Outside school, she has been happily married to her husband, Brandon, for 27 years, and together they are the proud parents of three Azle-raised children: Abigail, Easton and Haleigh Ann.
HOOVER ELEMENTARY: LOGAN ENIS
As Logan Enis steps into his ninth year in education and sixth in administration, he said he is thrilled to begin his second year as principal of Hoover Elementary and his seventh year with the district.
“I’m especially excited to lead our campus through our transition to a pre-K through fifth-grade school,” he said. “Above all, my passion is working alongside our incredible students, families and teachers to build a strong school community.”
He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and said in the fall, you’ll usually find him cheering on the Aggies.
At home, Enis is supported by his wife, Laura, who works as a school counselor. They are proud parents of an almost 2-year-old daughter, Hattie, and are eagerly expecting a baby boy this December.
HORNET ACADEMY/DAEP: CHRIS HILL
Chris Hill is honored to serve as the principal of Azle Hornet Academy and DAEP, bringing more than 20 years of dedicated experience in education. With 11 years in Azle ISD, Hill said he has overseen many milestones for the Hornet Academy and DAEP campus.
“I firmly believe that all students can achieve when in the right setting,” Hill said, adding that his motto is “Do what’s right!”
Hill holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University and has one son, Curran, who is currently a student at University of Texas San Antonio.
Outside school, Hill enjoys traveling and said he is excited for a fantastic school year ahead at Azle ISD.
LIBERTY ELEMENTARY: LEYAH MILES
Leyah Miles will be entering her third year as principal of Liberty Elementary, bringing 15 years of experience in public education to the role.
As an Azle High School graduate herself, Miles said it’s a privilege to “give back to the community that helped shape me.”
Miles is happily married and has two wonderful daughters: Finley, who is in seventh grade, and Eastyn, who is in fifth grade. They enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s boating, traveling, relaxing by the pool, playing or cheering on their girls in volleyball.
“I’m looking forward to continued partnerships with our families and growing our kids in every way possible,” Miles said.
SILVER CREEK ELEMENTARY: ANNIE PINION
Entering her 17th year in education and fifth in administration, Annie Pinion said she is thrilled to step into her new role as principal of Silver Creek Elementary during her fourth year with Azle ISD.
After earning her undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University and a master’s in educational leadership from National University, she has dedicated her career to “supporting students, teachers and school communities.”
Outside school, you can find Pinion spending quality time with her husband and their spoiled French Bulldog, Tucker.
WALNUT CREEK ELEMENTARY: HEATHER HARD
Heather Hard serves as principal at Walnut Creek Elementary, bringing 23 years of dedicated experience in education — a journey that uniquely began on the very same campus as a kindergarten student.
A proud Azle ISD alumna, her deep-rooted history at Walnut Creek includes years of service as a teacher, interventionist, instructional coach and assistant principal. Hard holds an undergraduate degree from McMurry University, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an educational leadership certification from Lamar University.
She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mark, for 23 years, and together they have two children, Alan, 20, and Finley, 16.
Hard said she is honored to lead the school where her own educational journey began and looks forward to a fantastic year ahead.

