SISD Announces

Beloved elementary assistant principal Sherrie Koerner has been named Principal of Sunnyvale Elementary School by the SISD Board of Trustees.

"When Mrs. Dlabaj moved into the director role, we had big shoes to fill at our elementary campus," Superintendent Matt Kimball said. "Luckily, we had the best candidate on the campus ready to step into those shoes. After an interview committee of staff and parents unanimously recommended Ms. Koerner, it was very clear she was the right leader for the role. Her passion for students and engaging leadership style has been shaped during her time in Sunnyvale and during her direct work with Mrs. Dlabaj. We look forward to a seamless transition as she begins her legacy of leadership at Sunnyvale Elementary School."

Mrs. Koerner is a 22 year educator, having spent the last nine years in SISD.

“My heart has always loved PK-2,” Koerner said. “This age group is the foundation that a student’s educational career is built upon. I have always believed that foundation must be rock solid academically as well as socially and emotionally for a student to flourish and grow into the well-rounded adult they will become. I love building that foundation and getting to be the instructional leader who helps love, support, and guide the laying of that foundation. Getting to be a student’s first impression of school, building them into strong readers, and giving them the tools to be successful Raiders has always been my ultimate joy and calling.”

Mrs. Koerner is an embedded part of the SES community and is already an essential part of the SES administrative team. Her experience as a teacher, District ESL and Dyslexia Coordinator, Summer School Principal and Assistant Principal make her the ideal choice for SES’ new leader.

“My years of experience teaching kindergarten and second grade not only has given me the hands-on experience needed to relate to teachers, but to know the instructional content and skills needed at this level as well,” she said. “I had the opportunity to work district-wide in the ESL/Dyslexia Coordinator position which allowed me to work with students at every campus, provide staff development and resources to staff, and gain the knowledge necessary to advocate for our special population students. I also enjoyed the leadership opportunities I got to carry out as Summer School Principal and Assistant Principal which helped grow me into the leader I am today. It is through these 22 years of experience that I hope to provide a leadership style that loves, supports, and is a true servant leader.”

Mrs. Koerner is ready to continue the excellent educational momentum that she has been a part of at SES for the last several years.

“My vision for Sunnyvale Elementary is to build on the incredible culture that has been built these last several years,” Koerner said. “The staff are like a family, and I want to continue fostering those relationships with teachers, parents, and students. I want to continue building a high-quality early literacy program so that we are creating and growing strong readers. I also plan to continue building parent and community partnerships so that parents are even more involved in knowing how to help their children grow and learn.”

Teachers can count on Mrs. Koerner to be transparent and available to them at all times as she takes on her new role.

“I believe in always having an open door that is built on trustworthiness,” she said. “I want teachers to always know that I will be there to support them and listen whenever they need me. I’ve always believed that you build that trust by consistently showing up for your people, and I plan on continuing to show up for our teachers.”

Mrs. Koerner also wants parents to know that SES’ climate of openness, which has always included many volunteer opportunities, will remain intact.

“I love the amount of support our parents have shown Sunnyvale Elementary throughout the years,” Koerner said. “We have the BEST parents and I look forward to continuing to provide those opportunities for parents to be involved. We plan to have a few new ways for parents to volunteer, so I hope our parents stay on the look out for those opportunities and will join in.”

Mrs. Koerner lives in Rockwall with her family and she enjoys traveling and cooking. She feels blessed to get to work with her sister who also works in the district. She enjoys seeing her nephew, who is a Raider, as well.