Katy Independent School District is ushering in a new era of educational leadership with the appointment of two experienced principals to pivotal roles: Kelley Kirila will serve as principal of the newly established Innovative Pathways program, while Richard Merriman will take the helm at Cardiff Junior High. Both will assume their new positions on January 5, 2026.
New Leadership for Innovative Pathways Program
Kelley Kirila, who has led Katy ISD’s Miller Career & Technology Center (MCTC) for nearly six years, will now head Innovative Pathways—an ambitious new program that merges MCTC, Raines Academy, and the forthcoming Legacy Virtual High School. The initiative will offer students a blended learning experience that combines hands-on career training with flexible, rigorous academics delivered through both virtual and in-person formats…