Manor ISD Names Dr. Lauren Whitfield and Rockell Williams-Stewart as Chiefs of Schools
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Manor ISD has named Dr. Lauren Whitfield and Rockell Stewart as the district's new Chiefs of Schools. Whitfield and Stewart bring extensive experience in instructional leadership, school improvement, and campus support and will play a key role in advancing student achievement and strengthening schools across the district.
In their new roles, Dr. Whitfield and Stewart will work closely with campus leaders to support teaching and learning, strengthen school culture, and advance the district’s strategic priorities across Manor ISD schools.
"Both Dr. Whitfield and Ms. Stewart are accomplished educational leaders with a proven track record of improving student outcomes and developing strong campus leadership teams," said Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani. "Their experience leading school improvement efforts, supporting principals, and building systems that drive student success will be invaluable as we continue our work to ensure every student thrives."
Dr. Lauren Whitfield
Dr. Whitfield joins Manor ISD after serving as Head of Schools for KIPP Texas Public Schools in Austin, where she coached principals across four campuses serving more than 1,600 students and led instructional and leadership development efforts across her portfolio. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a turnaround leader, helping schools improve accountability ratings, strengthen instructional systems, and develop high-performing campus leaders. Dr. Whitfield earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin.
Prior to her role at KIPP Texas, Dr. Whitfield served as Regional Director of Academic Health, Senior Director of Elementary Schools and Senior Director of Leadership Development , where she led strategic planning, principal development, and school improvement initiatives that resulted in significant academic gains across multiple campuses. She also successfully led a campus turnaround as principal of Altamira Academy, improving the school's accountability rating from an F to a C within one year.
"I am honored to join Manor ISD and become part of a community that is deeply committed to students," Dr. Whitfield said. "I look forward to partnering with principals, teachers, staff, and families to build on the district’s momentum, strengthen student outcomes, and ensure every student feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential."
Rockell Williams-Stewart
Stewart joins Manor ISD from Dallas ISD, where she most recently served as Executive Director of the Lincoln/Madison Vertical Team, overseeing eight schools and supervising 21 campus administrators. In that role, she led strategic transformation efforts in instruction, culture, and operations while supporting over 3,000 students. Under her leadership, seven high-poverty schools improved accountability outcomes to B ratings and earned 21 distinctions.
Stewart is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at Southern Methodist University and is expected to complete her studies in 2027. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Prairie View A&M University. Her professional credentials include principal certification, reading and self-contained teacher certification, and superintendent certification anticipated in summer 2027.
Before serving as Executive Director, Stewart led school turnaround efforts as principal of Dr. Billy Earl Dade Middle School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School now a (K-8) Arts Academy. Her leadership helped transform campuses from low-performing schools into high-achieving learning environments, earning recognition across Dallas ISD and the State of Texas.
"Manor ISD's commitment to students, families, and community is evident, and I am excited to be part of that work," Stewart said. "I believe strong schools are built through strong leadership, high expectations, and meaningful relationships. I look forward to supporting our campus leaders and helping create opportunities for every student to succeed."