Colbert becomes Cedar Hill ISD principal

Cedar Hill—When Dr. Porsche Colbert arrived as the Highlands Elementary assistant principal last year, she joined the Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Program, led by Heath Koenig, CHISD executive director of School Leadership.

“L.E.A.D. required me to be intentional,” Colbert said. “You look at equity constraints. You build capacity in the students, staff and teachers. L.E.A.D. gives you on the job training that you normally wouldn’t get.”

Earlier this summer, Colbert became the third former L.E.A.D. assistant principal to become a CHISD principal. Colbert is the new principal at Bessie Coleman Middle School, following fellow L.E.A.D. graduates Dr. Trevena Nelson (Plummer Elementary) and Ronnie Davis (Collegiate Prep Elementary).

In addition to L.E.A.D., Colbert is grateful for the year she spent working with Victoria Collins, who is entering her third year as Highlands’ principal.

“I really had a chance to be part of the strategic and intentional work we did there,” Colbert said. “Ms. Collins is so detail oriented and strong with organization. With me stepping into this role at Bessie Coleman, I was able to organize things quickly and to be very clear with communication.”

Colbert, who has previously served as an assistant principal at both an elementary school and high school, said middle school is the perfect fit.

“I know where they came from and I know where they’re going,” Colbert said. “The foundation has been set, but it’s not completely cemented. You have an opportunity to work with the students toward what they can become.”

Colbert has set high goals for the BCMS campus.

“We will outperform all middle schools in our area when it comes to accountability,” Colbert said. “Our biggest goal is for us to be a premiere middle school that other middle schools pattern themselves.”

Starting in 2026-2027, BCMS is set to become CHISD’s Fine Arts Middle School Campus, which is a great fit for Colbert who began her career as a high school dance teacher and drill team coach.

“I know how to build the program and capitalize on fine arts to enhance instruction, the climate and culture,” Colbert said. “I have so many ideas; I’m so excited about it.”

A Dallas native, Colbert earned a doctorate in curriculum & instruction from Liberty University, a master’s degree in teacher leadership from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in dance with a minor in secondary education from the University of North Texas.

Her long-term goal is to become a superintendent.

Colbert is one of five CHISD principals with a doctorate, all of whom are elementary or middle school principals.

“I think it’s going to really add to the excellence here,” Colbert said. “You can tell we’re lifelong learners who want to better ourselves so we can better our campuses and our community.”

SOURCE Cedar Hill Independent School District