On Friday, November 30, Dr. Kennedy announced the appointment of Beth Van Amburgh as principal for the new LaRue Miller Elementary. The campus is scheduled to open August 2008.

She has served as Longbranch principal for seven years and as assistant principal for two. Prior to her Longbranch appointment, she worked with middle school problem solving teams for two years in Midlothian. Before joining MISD, Mrs. Van Amburgh worked as a teacher and academic coach in Cedar Hill ISD for thirteen years teaching learners in Kindergarten through fourth grade.

With much enthusiasm, she states, "I am honored to serve as the first principal of the new elementary school bearing the name of an outstanding MISD educator and personal mentor. I look forward to working closely with learners, leaders, colleagues, parents, and community members in creating a successful educational environment worthy of Mrs. Miller's high standards and extraordinary expectations."

Mrs. Van Amburgh has been married to Michael for 20 years. They have two daughters, Rachel, who attends the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and Hannah, a current Midlothian High School student.

She will assume her new role as the Miller Elementary principal in February 2008. Her replacement for Longbranch Elementary will be announced no later than mid-January 2008.

Elementary Attendance Zones
With the new LaRue Miller Elementary school opening in August 2008, the MISD elementary attendance zones will need to be redrawn. In February 2008, town hall meetings will take place to discuss the rezoning plans. The School Board will approve the new attendance zones at the February board meeting. Staff will be hired between February-April. MISD staff assignments will be made in March.