LISD Announces Koen as Principal of Independence Elementary

Lewisville ISD announced this evening the appointment of Monica Koen as the new principal of Independence Elementary School. Koen joins LISD from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where she has served as an elementary campus principal since 2017, bringing more than nine years of campus leadership experience to her new role.

"I am honored to join the Independence Elementary community and the Lewisville ISD family," said Koen. "I look forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families as we work together to create an exceptional learning environment where every child can thrive."

Koen began her career in education in 2003 as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into an instructional coaching role as an Elementary Science Specialist in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She moved into campus administration in 2014 as an assistant principal before being named principal in 2017. During her tenure as principal, she led sustained academic growth across all student groups, increasing her campus's state accountability rating from a C to an A while simultaneously growing enrollment by approximately 200 students. She is recognized for building high-performing campus cultures, strengthening Tier 1 instruction, and developing teacher leadership capacity.

"Monica is exactly the kind of leader who elevates everyone around her," said LISD Superintendent Dr. Lori Rapp. "Her proven ability to lead a campus — academically, culturally, and operationally — while keeping relationships and student belonging at the center of her work makes her an exceptional fit for Independence Elementary. We are thrilled to welcome her to LISD."

Koen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing from Penn State University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University.