Melissa ISD is pleased to announce the selection of the principal for Highland Elementary School, the district’s fifth K-5 elementary campus, scheduled to open in Fall 2025. Brandon McFarland will serve as the inaugural principal, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering student success to this exciting new chapter in the district’s growth.
Mr. McFarland holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University and has been committed to education since 2011. He began his career in special education at McKinney ISD before moving to Frisco ISD, where he played an instrumental role in opening two new elementary campuses. In the fall of 2020, Mr. McFarland transitioned to an Assistant Principal role within Frisco ISD where he has spent the last 4+ years before joining Melissa ISD in 2025.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Melissa ISD community as the Principal of Highland Elementary. It is truly an honor to become a part of such a dedicated and vibrant school community,” Mr. McFarland shared. “My goal is to cultivate a culture of excellence where every child feels supported, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. I am committed to fostering strong, meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and families, as I believe that collaboration and trust are the cornerstones of a successful school environment. Together, we will create an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere where every student can grow, thrive, and develop a lifelong love of learning. I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and I look forward to the great achievements we will reach together.”
Walter Perez, Executive Director of Campus Services, shared his excitement about the new leadership, “Welcome to Highland Elementary, Mr. McFarland! Your experience and passion for education will undoubtedly help shape this brand-new campus into a thriving, supportive, and innovative learning community. Together, we look forward to fostering a space where students, staff, and families can soar to new heights. Welcome to Team Melissa!”
Highland Elementary, designed to meet the district’s rapid growth, reflects Melissa ISD’s commitment to creating modern, flexible learning environments. The 86,000-square-foot campus, situated on 12 acres, will accommodate up to 750 students. The school features a “main street” corridor connecting the Media Center, administrative offices, fine arts spaces, and gymnasium, alongside 32,000 square feet dedicated to core curriculum areas. This innovative design emphasizes collaboration and community, providing a dynamic environment where students can learn and grow together.
Kim Boedeker, Deputy Superintendent at Melissa Schools, expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “Welcome to our Cardinal Family. This is an incredible time to join us in Melissa under the guidance of our new principal and become part of a dedicated team shaping the future of our students. As we plan for the upcoming school year, we remain focused on building a strong staff to support the growth and success of our entire school community.”
In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, Melissa ISD is working with independent demographers to redraw the district’s attendance boundary lines to include Highland Elementary. Zoning for all elementary schools for the 2025-2026 school year will be announced in April 2025, in conjunction with new student registration and transportation information. Returning student registration will begin in mid-July.
Hiring for positions across the district will begin in the spring of 2025. Those interested in joining Melissa ISD are encouraged to visit www.melissaisd.org/careers. For additional information about the district’s growth and future plans, visit www.melissaisd.org/growth.