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COLUMBUS — New Columbus ISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Carpenter says his first priority is listening.
As the district prepares to begin the school year next week with new principals at all three campuses and a new director of curriculum and instruction, Carpenter said he wants to build on the district’s strengths while working collaboratively to identify opportunities for improvement.
“(The school is) where a community’s most valuable asset is; its kids, its future,” Carpenter said. “…Our goal is to make the kids of Columbus have the biggest chance for success and happiness. That means we’re going to have to listen and trust each other.”
Carpenter took over for the retiring Jim Conner June 30. Since then, he said he has been trying to learn everything about Columbus, the town, and the school district.
The new administration will take a similar approach as Carpenter emphasized that the district will not be implementing any major changes.
Carpenter outlined three priorities for the coming year: understanding how the district operates, channeling the community’s competitive spirit into measurable goals and striving to make Columbus ISD the top Class 3A district in Texas.
“What is it going to take for Columbus to become the number one 3A district in the state?” Carpenter said. “…If you ask the question…you’re going to start finding some specific answers.”
Carpenter also discussed the duty of school administrators to support its teachers and emphasized the need for open communication and encouragement. Carpenter said he prefers to identify obstacles that keep teachers from experiencing the moments that remind them why they entered the profession.
“Where is the root of this? Where is your spark?” Carpenter said. “…How can we make that moment a little more frequent? How can we get you in a zone to where if there’s something we’re doing that maybe you’re just white knuckling it because there wasn’t a system in place to help you with it… maybe that’s something I can help solve.”
Carpenter previously served as assistant superintendent at Slaton ISD for three years. However, he frequently referenced his time as a high school English teacher where he specialized in preparing seniors for
for college or a career after graduation. He said the role gave him the foundation of love, patience, and stamina necessary for school leadership.
“We have to prepare kids for the world they’re going to enter and not necessarily the one we all grew up in,” Carpenter said. “…It’s really important to keep that in mind in our modern world with everything changing in technology and everything else in the job market.”
Carpenter also will begin the school year with several new administrators across the district.
Casey Schindler will serve as director of curriculum and instruction. A Columbus ISD graduate and Lamar University alumnus, Schindler worked in the district from 2010 to 2018 before returning last year as an instructional coach.
Sandra Lacks will lead Columbus High School after serving more than 16 years in administrative roles at Katy ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD.
“As a mom of two teenage daughters, I understand how important it is for students to have a positive, meaningful high school experience where they feel supported, challenged and celebrated,” Lacks said.
Leah Graves has been named principal of Columbus Junior High School after serving as assistant principal since 2025. Graves brings 31 years of experience in education, including eight years in administration.
“During my first year in Columbus, I quickly learned what makes this community so special— it’s pride, commitment and strong Cardinal spirit,” Graves said.
Jennifer Wylie will become principal of Columbus Elementary School. She is a graduate of Lamar University.
“(The previous administration) had excellent goals and strategies that have been put in place that we definitely want to build on and continue,” Carpenter said. “… We were very cognizant of what are speci fic needs that we can see as strengths in (the new administration). After working with them this summer, man, I’m so excited.”
