Jan. 10, 2023—Dr. Felicia Hayes, director of instruction at Watkins Middle School, was named the new principal at Hopper Middle School on Jan. 10. Dr. Hayes replaces Wendi Witthaus, who retired in December.  

Dr. Hayes has 22 years of experience in education. Her career began as a bus driver in College Station ISD in 2000 before becoming a high school social studies teacher in Aldine ISD in 2004. Dr. Hayes moved to CFISD in 2009 as a government teacher at Cypress Creek High School. She then became a district social studies curriculum coach in 2013, serving in that role for a year. Dr. Hayes was named an assistant principal at Watkins in 2014 and then was named the director of instruction at Watkins in 2016.

In addition, Dr. Hayes has served as a middle school summer school principal and has completed the CFISD Aspiring Principal Institute and the Rice Business Executive Education Academy.

Dr. Hayes earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and her Master of Education from Lamar University. She earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Houston.

“I look forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, parents and the community,” Dr. Hayes said. “Together, we will set high expectations for our Huskies and provide the support they need to reach their maximum potential in middle school and beyond. I am so excited to be a part of the Hopper family!”