The leadership changes were approved and announced at the school board meeting on Monday, May 12, where both Stewart and Nelson were recognized in front of their family and friends.
Stewart has been in education for 23 years and just celebrated 20 years at Frenship ISD. Over the past two decades, she has worked at multiple Frenship elementary schools including North Ridge, Westwind, Crestview, and Willow Bend. In 2016, she was selected to open Upland Heights Elementary as the first principal, a position she had proudly served since it was built. Now, she will continue to impact not only Upland Heights, but the entire district as the Frenship ISD Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
“Every place Denise has gone, she has left an indelible imprint and wherever she goes, she leaves it better than when she started. Our leaders, our principals, our staff, and students are going to benefit as she spreads her influence at the district level,” said Frenship ISD Superintendent Dr. Michelle McCord.
While Stewart says it’s hard to say goodbye to the campus she helped open nine years ago, she knows Nelson is the perfect fit to continue leading Upland Heights.
“I am excited for this new role and will work hard for the district. I am most excited about the opportunity to work with pre-k through 12th grade students and staff,” said Stewart. “It is bittersweet because I love Upland Heights, but the families are in good hands. Lara has been my right hand for the last eight years. She knows the students, staff, and families. She loves them big and will continue the work what we started. I'm super proud of her and can't wait to see all the great things Upland Heights does in the future.”
Nelson also has an extensive background in education with 22 years of experience, 18 of those at Frenship. She has worked at Willow Bend, North Ridge, and joined the Upland Heights team eight years ago as the Assistant Principal. Already a familiar face and loved by the Upland Heights staff, students, and parents, Nelson will seamlessly transition to principal and continue building upon their legacy of excellence.
“I feel so honored to get to work with such amazing staff and students at Upland Heights. I have been here since the second year it opened and have watched it flourish. It is truly a special place. I can't wait to get to know the families and students even better and to meet new families that join us along the way,” said Nelson. “We will continue the legacy that Mrs. Stewart started and will make every year even better than the last. Our 10th year at Upland Heights will be our best one yet.”
In addition to a combined 28 years of serving Frenship, Stewart and Nelson both have children who attend Frenship ISD. Stewart and her husband Michael have three children, a daughter at Frenship High School, son at the Ninth Grade Center, and daughter at Upland Heights. Nelson and her husband Jeff have a daughter at Terra Vista Middle School and a son who will graduate from Frenship high School this year and go into the U.S. Marine Corps.
Congratulations, Stewart and Nelson! Frenship is lucky to have you both as leaders!