Taylor Independent School District is welcoming its next academic leader.
Trustees approved a contract agreement with Megan Zembik to serve as chief academic officer for the district during their meeting Monday, April 22.
“I’m beyond thrilled to lead an organization that provides an unparalleled education experience to the students of Taylor ISD, one that celebrates and embraces the unique brilliance within each individual,” Zembik said in a statement. “My family is excited to experience Taylor’s small-town feeling with big-time opportunities.”
Zembik takes the role over from Clarissa Rodriguez, who left the position in March after a threeyear tenure. According to LinkedIn, Rodriguez now works as a Texas education planner for Stantec.
According to Angie Ramirez, the district’s human resource director, Zembik will be paid $125,000 annually in a contract that runs until the end of the school year. Ramirez said Taylor ISD intends to extend her contract for the 2024-2025 school year. Zembik is leaving a role where she served as an academic dean and principal of a Hays Consolidated Independent School District High School that has over 3,000 students.
She previously served as an assistant principal at Austin Independent School District. Before becoming involved in leadership, Zembik worked as a middle school math teacher at Austin ISD and Channelview Independent School District.
“Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to curriculum development, faculty support and student engagement, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the institutions she has served,” Taylor ISD said in a press release.
Zembik holds a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in educational leadership.
Taylor ISD said Zembik was honored with the esteemed title of Academic Dean of the Year in 2022, a recognition of her leadership and commitment to academic excellence.
“Megan’s expertise in curriculum along with her successful leadership experience at all grade levels make her the perfect candidate for chief academic officer,” Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen said in a statement. “Her skillset will be instrumental as we take student learning to the next level.”
Zembik
