SAISD names principal for new CAST Tech High School

Dr. Melissa Alcala to serve as principal for career-themed school

Dr. Melissa Alcala

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Independent School District officials have named a principal for the new CAST Tech High School.

Melissa Alcala will serve as principal for the career-themed high school, which is scheduled to open in August.

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Alcala, who is currently director of the STEM Academy, a magnet program in the North East Independent School District, has spent 23 years in education.

She has been recognized for her leadership in turning a science, technology, engineering and math program into a role model and professional development site for other STEM programs across the state.

"We look forward to Dr. Alcala's leadership and extensive experience as we open and grow this exciting new school," SAISD Chief Innovation Officer Mohammed Choudhury said. “CAST Tech joins a growing network of next-generation models providing a rich and rigorous learning experience to prepare our students for the demands of the 21st century."

Alcala has a bachelor's degree in mathematics, a master’s in educational administration from Texas State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She will begin her role as principal of CAST Tech in June.

“I am excited to join the SAISD community and to help design this innovative high school,” Alcala said. “The specialized curriculum in technology and business provides CAST students an edge as they launch into college and careers upon graduation. We look forward to developing tech-savvy graduates with an understanding of business and entrepreneurship to lead us into the future.”

Alcala replaces Kelly Isbell, who served as principal since August 2016, while the school was in development.

The new high school is transforming former buildings at Fox Tech High School into a customized learning environment that Charles Butt made possible by donating $2.6 million. H-E-B also donated $1 million, and several other corporate and philanthropic donations were made.

With a focus on technology and entrepreneurship, CAST Tech has recruited an industry advisory board with people from local companies such as H-E-B, USAA, Frost Bank, AT&T, Whataburger, Tech Bloc and Geekdom.

CAST Tech has accepted 175 ninth-graders from within SAISD and across Bexar County into its inaugural class.

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About the Author:

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.