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The principal for Bastrop’s new elementary school was recently announced, and the leader will be a familiar face.
In 2022, Bastrop Independent School District officially named two elementary schools that will open in August 2023 – Colony Oaks in Bastrop and Camino Real in Cedar Creek. Kristi Kisamore, who’s served as the principal of Bastrop Intermediate School since 2020, will serve in the same role at Colony Oaks.
Kisamore is elated to return to her roots at the elementary grade levels, having started her career in academia as a kindergarten teacher.
“At first, I didn’t think I’d apply because Bastrop Intermediate is my home,” Kisamore said. “But the more I started thinking, elementary definitely is my roots, my passion, especially early literacy, and what an exciting opportunity to be able to open a campus in the town that I live in.”
Kisamore joined Bastrop ISD 11 years ago teaching at Red Rock Elementary School. Since then, she’s contributed to the district in a number of ways, working as an intervention teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal.
Most of the student body at Colony Oaks will consist of kids who currently attend Mina and Bluebonnet elementary schools. Kisamore aims to visit these campuses in the spring to meet students, answer questions from parents and work with the principals to better understand the routines in which these students are accustomed.
“I believe there needs to be some sort of consistency for our students and families to ease with that transition,” Kisamore said. “If we’re getting those fifth graders who’ve been at an elementary campus from Pre-K to fourth grade, we want to make sure that transition is as easy as possible.”
As Colony Oaks opens, Kisamore also wants to ensure that logistical challenges, like traffic patterns for dropping off and picking up kids, are taken care of so students and parents have a smooth, stress-free experience throughout the initial weeks. Kisamore added that her experience in administration thus far has equipped her to handle unexpected obstacles through adaptability, collegiality and problem solving.
Kisamore said the most valuable lesson she’s learned as principal of Bastrop Intermediate is to put the people first. She always wants to make sure that kids are supported, parents are heard and staff members are appreciated.
“Our people are precious to us,” Kisamore said. “We always let parents know that we are here to serve them and their kids, and we have the best interest of their students in mind when we make our decisions. So, it really comes down to taking care of people – students, parents, and our faculty and staff.”
The arrival of two new schools is reflective of the rapid growth Bastrop has experienced in recent years. Kisamore said the district has been proactive in staying ahead of the growth by pursuing bonds, cultivating a clear vision for its schools and conducting thorough staff trainings.
