Crosby hires new principals, administrator

Dr. Marley Morris

By LEWIS SPEARMAN
CROSBY – The local school board voted thumbs up for three new administrators to replace three worthy past personnel.
A new high school principal, new assistant superintendent of instruction, and a new middle school principal have begun their duties with Crosby ISD., Dr. Marley Morris was voted in at the school board meeting on July 16 as principal of Crosby High School. Patricia Kay is the new assistant superintendent after having been Principal of Crosby Middle School since 2005. and Karen Grey, former Assistant Principle of Crosby High School.
“This is an exciting time at Crosby ISD. We have a total change in leadership at the Middle School, High School and over instruction for the next several years. We and they want the staff and community to get to know the people that are going to take the lead in those positions.” said Crosby ISD Superintendent Mike Joseph.
Dr. Morris, Ed.D. served as assistant principal at Kingwood High School in Humble I.S.D. for four years before coming to Crosby. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma before his family moved to Katy, Texas, Morris graduated from James E. Taylor High School in Katy. Attending Sam Houston State University, Morris received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Minor in Secondary Education. While earning a Masters of Education, Dr. Morris held a position as an agri-science teacher and FFA advisor at Kingwood High School.

In 2003, he was promoted to assistant principal at Kingwood High School. While an administrator, he served as facilities manager, construction facilitator, Social Studies department liaison, Stang Summit coordinator, technology liaison, co-senior class sponsor, FFA organization liaison, as well as overseeing the individual discipline and educational needs of approximately 375 students within his alpha-grouping.
Dr. Morris earned his Doctorate of Education in 2004 from Sam Houston State University. His dissertation was titled, “Technology Integration in Exemplary Public High Schools: A Study of the Internet in Concert with Student Performance.” Dr. Morris is married to his wife of five years, Jamie Morris and has a two-year-old son, Matthew.
In her own summation, Patricia Kay indicates she believes in education and in herself being an educator, “I have had the great fortune of serving children through education for 20 years. My experience has spanned from classroom teacher to Assistant Superintendent. All of my experiences have helped to prepare me for the role I have recently entered, that of Crosby Independent School District Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. I feel privileged to have been chosen for this position and I am excited about all the possibilities that it affords so it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I go forward to serve the parents and children of the Crosby community.
I am an Aggie. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Education from Texas A&M University. My first teaching assignments were in Houston ISD. The experiences there opened my eyes to some of the hardships that children face. I learned that there is a story behind each face and this must be considered as we teach and nurture each child. After five years in HISD, I went to teach at Cunningham Middle School in Galena Park ISD. I was inspired by an outstanding Principal there to go into administration. After teaching students from every demographic group from gifted to special needs, I attended the University of Houston to obtain my administrative certificate. I became an assistant principal at Cunningham Middle School and served the students in this capacity for three years. In 2001, Dr. Shirley Neeley, then superintendent of Galena Park ISD placed me in the role of Assistant Principal for Curriculum at North Shore Senior High School. Two years later, I was named Associate Principal at North Shore. While at North Shore I completed by Superintendent Certification through classes offered by Stephen F. Austin University. I learned a great deal about high school by working closely with the department chairs there. I loved working with the people there but I knew that I was ready to be a building Principal. In 2005 I had the honor of being selected as Principal for Crosby Middle School. I was fortunate to work under Dr. Don Hendrix, Superintendent of CISD until his recent retirement. He gave me great insight and shared with me some very meaningful advice that I carry with me today. Being a CISD Principal, I also worked under the leadership of Mr. Mike Joseph who was Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. I quickly found out we had the same philosophy of education, that of “student first.” I recently have been chosen as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Crosby ISD. In this role I have the honor of working side by side with Mr. Joseph, who has taken over the realm as Superintendent. We are on the same page when it comes to students and the community so the transition to this new position is invigorating. I look forward to serving the students, teachers, and parents of CISD and I am enthused about the positive direction the district is headed. We will keep the momentum initiated by Dr. Hendrix.
On the personal side, I am married to Jon Kay, who teaches at North Shore Senior High School and served as defensive coordinator. We live in Crosby and have a two year old daughter, Grace Elizabeth. She is our sunshine and a special gift to us. She is also a constant reminder of the innocence of youth and the influence of education.”
Karen Grey, the new Principal of Crosby Middle School, is a veteran educator of thirty years. During this time she educated and influenced a myriad of age groups ranging from early childhood to adult education. Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Prairie View A & M University as well as a Principal Certification from The University of Houston – Clear Lake, she served the Crosby community for the last 12 years, as a high school counselor and assistant principal. She sees her contributions having been achieved through growth and success of students and community relations.
“Principal of Crosby Middle School affords me the opportunity to play an integral part in enriching school morale and uplifting traditions on campus as well as in the community. My goal is to provide strong leadership allowing students opportunities to engage in successful learning and achievement. ” she writes.
Most important to her as an educator is overall school effectiveness; thereby, meeting the needs of all students!
Married with two daughters, one son-in-law, three grand children, and one on the way, Grey believes in being deeply involved in family. A parishioner of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Fifth Ward Houston, she attributes every accomplishment and goal she achieves as a blessing from God.