Silverlake Elementary principal La'Kesha Vaughn with a student

The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and Texas Association of Secondary School Principals -- along with national affiliates -- have declared October 2012 as National Principals Month.

In Pearland ISD, these top school administrators serve as the caretakers of the community's most valuable resource: students.

Currently, the district's 11 elementary, four middle, four junior high and three high schools, along with one nontraditional campus, strive to provide a world-class education to more than 19,600 students.

With the launch of Robert Turner College & Career High School next year, Pearland ISD welcomes its 24th principal, Dr. Jennifer Morrow.

Preparing today's students for tomorrow's challenges, principals set the academic tone for their campus and work with teachers to maintain high curriculum standards, develop mission statements and set performance objectives.

In Pearland ISD, all principals must hold state certification, a master's degree in educational administration, three years' experience as a teacher and at least two years' experience in an instructional leadership role.

"School leadership is vital to our students' success. Pearland ISD is blessed to have principals who lead based on what is best for our students," Superintendent Dr. John Kelly said.

1. Governor Rick Perry's Principals Month Proclamation