Pearland ISD: New Principal and Director Named by Board

The Pearland Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved two new leadership roles to serve as principal at Magnolia Elementary and Director of Guidance and Counseling.

Veronica August, Magnolia Elementary Principal

With 20 years of dedicated experience in education, August brings a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision to her new leadership role.

She previously served as assistant principal at Magnolia for 5 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to the school community and students.  Prior to her tenure with Pearland ISD, August also contributed her expertise in Austin ISD as a Bilingual teacher and in Pasadena ISD as a Mathematical Instructional Coach.

August is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing, leading, and learning alongside the incredible staff, students, and families that make Magnolia Elementary so special.

She is enthusiastic about fostering a vibrant and supportive learning environment at Magnolia. "My vision is to inspire and empower students and staff to reach new heights of success," August said. "My heart is deeply rooted in this campus, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation we've established—fostering a culture of excellence, belonging, and joy for every child, every day." 

She looks forward to building on Magnolia's strengths and creating a positive, collaborative culture that empowers every student to achieve academic excellence.

Clara Gerard, Director of Counseling and Guidance

With 24 years of dedication to student development, Gerard brings a passionate commitment to fostering comprehensive support systems for all students. In this pivotal role, she will oversee the implementation of a robust school counseling program designed to enhance students' social-emotional well-being, drive academic achievement, and ensure readiness for college, career, and military pathways.

Gerard’s journey in education began after earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Prairie View A&M University, where early experiences at the Children's Assessment Center in Houston ignited a desire to serve. This foundation led to a teaching career starting in 2001 with Houston ISD as a Special Education and ESL high school teacher. Recognizing a greater calling to address students' holistic needs, Gerard pursued a master’s degree in counseling, which propelled a move into school counseling, serving as a high school Counselor in Sheldon ISD and Stafford Municipal School District.

She has held various leadership positions including an 8-year tenure as an Advanced Academics Specialist supporting magnet and gifted and talented programs. Most recently, as a Senior Counseling Specialist, then Elementary Manager, and later Coordinator 2 within the Counseling and Student Services Department, Gerard supported a vast network of elementary, middle, and high school counselors.

"My goal in this new role is to ensure every student has access to a comprehensive school counseling program that empowers them to become productive citizens, achieve academic excellence, and be fully prepared for their post-graduation journey," Gerard said. "As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand the impact that mentorship, perseverance, and opportunity can have, and I am deeply committed to creating those opportunities for others."