CFISD names 2025-26 Principals of the Year
Kyla Mote, Black Elementary School principal, was named CFISD’s 2025-26 Elementary Principal of the Year.
Feb. 4, 2026—Kyla Mote, Black Elementary School principal, and Dr. Abe Lozano, Cypress Ridge High School principal, were selected as the CFISD Elementary and Secondary 2025-26 Principal of the Year, respectively, and will represent CFISD at the Region 4 Principal of the Year awards ceremony on April 7 at Hotel ZaZa.
Mote is in her 27th year of education, all served in CFISD. Mote has served in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, a curriculum coach, an instructional specialist and assistant principal.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named CFISD Elementary Principal of the Year,” Mote said. “I truly love the work that I do, and I am proud to serve our Bearkat community and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I am fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team who believe in educating the whole child; mind, body and spirit, and in creating a school where every student feels seen, supported and inspired to learn. The collaboration and shared commitment to our staff, students and families strengthens our campus each day and continues to shape me as a leader. I am thankful for the mentors, colleagues and district leaders who have supported me and continue to inspire me.”
Dr. Abe Lozano, Cypress Ridge High School principal, was named CFISD’s 2025-26 Secondary Principal of the Year.
Dr. Lozano is currently in his 19th year of education, also all served in CFISD. Dr. Lozano has served as a classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and secondary levels.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition,” Dr. Lozano said. “Having grown up in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and having spent my entire career within our district, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from incredible leaders all who have made an impact on my life. I want to express my gratitude to all the students, teachers, staff and leaders who have supported me throughout my life and career in CFISD. Although this award may seem to be an individual achievement, it truly represents the hard work of our students and staff at Cypress Ridge High School. Thank you for being such a positive part of our community and thank you for representing some of the very best of CFISD. I am honored to be named Secondary Principal of the Year, and I will be forever grateful for this recognition.”
CFISD names 2025-26 Principals of the Year
Kyla Mote, Black Elementary School principal, was named CFISD’s 2025-26 Elementary Principal of the Year.
Feb. 4, 2026—Kyla Mote, Black Elementary School principal, and Dr. Abe Lozano, Cypress Ridge High School principal, were selected as the CFISD Elementary and Secondary 2025-26 Principal of the Year, respectively, and will represent CFISD at the Region 4 Principal of the Year awards ceremony on April 7 at Hotel ZaZa.
Mote is in her 27th year of education, all served in CFISD. Mote has served in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, a curriculum coach, an instructional specialist and assistant principal.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named CFISD Elementary Principal of the Year,” Mote said. “I truly love the work that I do, and I am proud to serve our Bearkat community and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I am fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team who believe in educating the whole child; mind, body and spirit, and in creating a school where every student feels seen, supported and inspired to learn. The collaboration and shared commitment to our staff, students and families strengthens our campus each day and continues to shape me as a leader. I am thankful for the mentors, colleagues and district leaders who have supported me and continue to inspire me.”
Dr. Abe Lozano, Cypress Ridge High School principal, was named CFISD’s 2025-26 Secondary Principal of the Year.
Dr. Lozano is currently in his 19th year of education, also all served in CFISD. Dr. Lozano has served as a classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and secondary levels.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition,” Dr. Lozano said. “Having grown up in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and having spent my entire career within our district, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from incredible leaders all who have made an impact on my life. I want to express my gratitude to all the students, teachers, staff and leaders who have supported me throughout my life and career in CFISD. Although this award may seem to be an individual achievement, it truly represents the hard work of our students and staff at Cypress Ridge High School. Thank you for being such a positive part of our community and thank you for representing some of the very best of CFISD. I am honored to be named Secondary Principal of the Year, and I will be forever grateful for this recognition.”