Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! I am excited to embark on a third year as the proud principal of Hexter Elementary where we continue to build upon our rich traditions and solid foundation.

For our new Hawk families, I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother and new grandmother. A former resident of Southern California,three years ago my husband and I packed up our home of 20 years and relocated to the Dallas area for a job opportunity and to be close to family. We have found our forever home and have begun establishing our roots. 

I have served in many roles in education over the last 30 years: teacher, PTA president, instructional coach, principal, and most recently, assistant principal at W.H. Gaston Middle School in the Bryan Adams feeder pattern. All have been extremely rewarding experiences, made possible by the support of my family and educational opportunities. I graduated from UCLA with a bachelors in English Literature. I pursued my teaching credential and shortly thereafter, a masters in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Fullerton. 

I have a passion for building relationships and nurturing a school community so that all stakeholders reach their fullest potential. An instructional leader, I am visible, committed to creating an environment of agentic learners who are skilled readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Building capacity among staff to increase student agency is a priority. I lead by example, modeling my core values of integrity, respect, dedication, resilience, and kindness. 

I approach each day as a new opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact. I look forward to meeting you and the many occasions that we will have to work alongside each other to build Hexter into a community that we are all proud to call home. GO HAWKS!

Melinda Smith, Principal