TEXARKANA, Texas -- Pleasant Grove Independent School has promoted one of its own as the new assistant superintendent of staff and student services.
Kristen Giles, principal at Pleasant Grove High School, will begin her new role on July 1. She is succeeding Carla Dupree, who is retiring.
"Kristen's deep-rooted connection with our community makes her the perfect choice for assistant superintendent," Superintendent Chad Pirtle said. "She knows the students, staff and community, and has a foundation of trust with each group."
Giles has 30 years of experience in education, all with Pleasant Grove. She has helped to pass three bonds and founded the Pleasant Grove Education Foundation as the director of Business and Community Partnerships, according to a news release.
Giles has been high school principal for three years. Prior to that, she was a high school assistant principal, middle school dean of students, an instructional technologist and a teacher.
A graduate of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Giles also has long record of community service. She is a past president of the Junior League of Texarkana and a past board member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. She also has served with Junior Achievement, the United Way and Women for the Arts.
In 2019, Giles received the Texas A&M-Texarkana Distinguished Alumni Award.
"It's an honor to step into this role and continue to serve the district I have always called home," Giles said. "I am excited to further our mission of ensuring high levels of learning for all students and continue working alongside our incredible team of educators, students and the community," Giles said in the news release.
The district has begun the search for Giles successor as high school principal, communications director Haley Turner said.