Superintendent
Dr. Stephanie D. Howard
Dr. Stephanie D. Howard joined Midland Independent School District as the Superintendent of Schools on January 3, 2023. She is beginning her 30th year in education. Prior to joining the team in Midland ISD, she served as the superintendent in Crane ISD where the district improved from a D rating in 2019 to a B rating (85) in 2022. She also was the deputy superintendent for Ector County ISD where she led the following divisions and departments: Leadership Division (over all schools), Human Capital (Human Resources and Talent Development), District Operations, and Athletics. Prior to returning to ECISD in 2018, she was the superintendent in Plains ISD. Before being selected as the superintendent for Plains ISD, she served as the Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction in Ector County ISD. In this position, Dr. Howard oversaw the curriculum and instruction components of the district for students in grades Pre-K through 12 in math, science, and languages other than English. She also supervised the 38 instructional coaches.
Dr. Howard served as a high school principal at Robert E. Lee High School (now known as Legacy High School) for six years before moving into district administration. Lee High School served approximately 2,100 students in grades 10-12. During her time at Lee High School, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. Dr. Howard worked with the PTA, community members, and alumni to begin the Legacy Wall of Honor as part of the 50th anniversary. She worked with this group to seek nominations, select, and induct two classes of recipients. In the first class of inductees, Dr. Howard had the opportunity to induct and meet former First Lady, Laura Bush, General Tommy Franks, and former Railroad Commissioner and Commissioner of Education for the State of Texas, Michael Williams. For the 50th graduation ceremony, Dr. Howard was able to secure Mrs. Laura Bush as the keynote speaker. While at Lee High School, Dr. Howard had the opportunity to work with the faculty through the High Schools that Work grant funded by the Southern Regional Education Board. This grant allowed the faculty, staff, and administration to further promote high academic standards through engaging instructional practices, quality instruction, career and technical education programs, and standards-based grading practices.
Prior to the high school principal position, Stephanie was the principal at San Jacinto Junior High School for three years. She served as an instructional services director and assistant principal for four years before she became a principal. The first year in Midland ISD, Stephanie taught communication courses at Midland High School and coached the debate team. Before moving to Midland to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Stephanie taught English and communications, coached cross country, basketball, track, and served as the high school cheer sponsor in Stanton.
Dr. Howard is beginning a two-year term serving on the Texas Association of School Administrators Legislative Committee. She serves on the board for the Texas School Coalition, is a board member for United Way of Midland, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Midland. Dr. Howard also serves as a representative for Region 18 on the West Texas Safety Sector. In 2023, Dr. Howard was named a Trailblazer for Angelo State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. In 2020, Stephanie was selected for and participated in the DA Superintendent’s Seminar. She was recognized as the High School Principal of the Year and High School Assistant Principal of the year for Region 18 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. She served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) for eight years prior to moving into district administration. Due to her commitment to supporting teachers, she received the honor of Midland Classroom Teacher Association Administrator of the Year award in 2007. Dr. Howard was the recipient of the PTA life membership award while serving as the principal at San Jacinto Junior High in Midland.
Dr. Howard earned her Doctoral Degree from the University of Texas San Antonio in May 2014. She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and holds a principal and superintendent certification in the State of Texas. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and communications from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas in 1995.
While Dr. Howard has spent the majority of her time in large school districts, it is her small-town upbringing where she learned the value of hard work, the importance of relationships and teamwork, and the impact of community involvement on the success of schools. Stephanie grew up watching her dad work in education for over 36 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, and her mom worked at the schools as a custodian, in the cafeteria, and driving buses. Stephanie attended kindergarten in Blackwell before moving to Robert Lee where she attended first grade through high school graduation. She and her husband, James, who is the Fire Marshal for the City of Midland have been married 31 years and have two daughters, Raeley (senior at West Texas A & M University) and Corley (9th grade).
Contact Information
Stephanie Howard
Superintendent
432-240-1000
stephanie.howard@midlandisd.net
Cynthia McNabb
Executive Assistant to Superintendent
432-240-1000
cynthia.mcnabb@midlandisd.net
Superintendent's Office
615 W. Missouri Ave.
Midland, Texas 79701