The Pearland Independent School District Board recently approved four outstanding administrators to serve as principals at CJ Harris, Lawhon, Magnolia and Shadycrest elementaries. Combined, the new principals have more than 73 years of experience in education.

LaShonda Pernetter, CJ Harris Elementary

LaShonda Pernetter will join CJ Harris Elementary after serving as an assistant principal at Silvercerst and Massey Ranch elementaries for six years. Pernetter holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Louisiana Tech University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. With a total of 23 years of experience as an educator, Pernetter served as a first- and third-grade teacher for 17 years. She looks forward to building relationships with students, staff and parents to continue academic success and believes in having fun while learning and building friendships as key components of a great educational foundation. “My vision is that CJ Harris will be a safe, nurturing environment that focuses on the relationships, academics, and social-emotional well-being of all stakeholders – students, staff, parents, and community,” Pernetter said.

Dr. Kristine Solberg - Magnolia Elementary

Dr. Kristine Solberg joins the Pearland ISD team as the new Magnolia Elementary principal. With 19 years as an educator - nine of those as an elementary principal, four as a junior high assistant principal and six as a science teacher - she served her entire career in the Flowing Wells School District in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Solberg has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate in education with an emphasis in K-12 educational leadership, both from Northern Arizona University. “I look forward to meeting and growing with a new team who can contribute to the success of our students,” she said. “This opportunity will bring challenges and opportunities for me to grow as a principal and lead collaboratively with the Mustangs. Being bilingual, I am excited to be introduced to the dual language program Magnolia has to offer.” Her vision for Magnolia is to continue the school’s strengths and traditions, remaining student-centered, holding students and staff to high expectations and finding a balance to laugh and have fun.

Ryan Peterson, Shadycrest Elementary

Shadycrest Elementary welcomes its current assistant principal, Ryan Peterson, as its new principal. Formerly the assistant principal at Alexander Middle School, Peterson comes from a family of educators and began his career in education as a history teacher at La Porte ISD. He also taught in Clear Creek and Pasadena ISDs , for a total of 13 years of experience as an educator. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in marketing from Texas State University and a master’s of education in administration from Lamar University. Peterson looks forward to continuing the longstanding traditions of excellence at Shadycrest and creating new traditions that align with the community’s expectations and values. “The Shadycrest faculty is here to support and coach students academically, socially and emotionally. My vision is for Shadycrest’s students to strive to be well-rounded inside and outside the classroom, creating a community of positivity and growth.”

Veronica Rodriguez, Lawhon Elementary

Veronica Rodriguez is welcomed to Lawhon Elementary as the new principal, after servings as an assistant principal at the school for the past six years. The first in her family to graduate from college and obtain a master’s degree, Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies PK-4 from the University of Houston - Main Campus, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Houston - Clear Lake. With 18 years of education experience and having previously served as an elementary teacher for 10 years and an ELA literacy coach in Pasadena ISD, Rodriguez looks forward to continue to help Lawhon grow in its great successes going forward and continuing to build upon its great community. “At Lawhon, we strive to ensure the success of ALL students not only academically but socially and emotionally. Teachers, parents and students work as a team year-round to cultivate students’ academic, social and emotional strengths,” she said. “Our Lawhon family is committed to establishing core values, positive relationships and building confidence so that all children can reach their maximum potential.”

(05/20/2023)