Melissa ISD is excited to announce these leadership updates for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about this leader below:
Laura Ahrens, Sumeer Elementary Principal
Laura Ahrens began her career in Melissa ISD in 2012 and has proudly served the district for 11 years. During that time, she taught both second and fourth grade at Harry McKillop Elementary, where she was named Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. She later served as the Instructional Coach at Harry McKillop Elementary before becoming the Assistant Principal at Sumeer Elementary, where she served for the past three years. Laura is honored and excited to serve as the new Principal of Sumeer Elementary. She is committed to building meaningful relationships, empowering teachers, and fostering a campus where every student, staff member, and family feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to start this journey as Principal of Sumeer Elementary,” shared Laura Ahrens. “This campus holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve built. I am eager to partner with our staff, students, and families as we pursue academic excellence, strengthen relationships, and continue growing greatness together!”
“Laura Ahrens embodies the heart of what it means to be a Cardinal—dedicated, compassionate, and unwavering in her commitment to students, staff, and community. For over a decade, she has served Melissa with integrity and purpose, building trust and fostering excellence every step of the way. Sumeer Elementary is gaining not just a principal, but a proven leader whose loyalty and vision will continue to inspire greatness,” shared Executive Director of Campus Development Walter Perez.
Lhauren Spann, Sumeer Elementary Assistant Principal
Lhauren Spann brings 14 years of educational experience and three years in Melissa ISD to her new role as Assistant Principal at Sumeer Elementary. During her time in Melissa ISD, Mrs. Spann has served as a 5th grade team leader for the past three years and recently graduated from the Cardinal Leadership Academy in May 2026. She began her career in Special Education and has taught Reading, Writing, Science and Social Studies throughout her career in McKinney ISD before joining Melissa ISD. Mrs. Spann is excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Sumeer Elementary as Assistant Principal and looks forward to continuing building meaningful relationships, supporting teachers, and creating an environment where every student feels safe, loved, and challenged to grow while continuing to strengthen The Cardinal Way across the campus and community.
"Lhauren has been committed to Sumeer Elementary since the day our doors opened, and her impact on our campus has been immeasurable. She has built meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and families,” shared Sumeer Principal Laura Ahrens. “Her unwavering dedication to helping everyone grow is evident in everything she does. Lhauren embodies the core values of Melissa ISD through her servant leadership, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for others. She consistently craves the success of others and works tirelessly to create a positive culture where strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful learning experiences allow everyone to grow. I am excited to see her continue making a bigger impact at Sumeer Elementary as Assistant Principal."
Blaze Blain, Melissa High School Assistant Principal
Blaze Blain is entering his 12th year in education, with the 2026-2027 school year being his first in Melissa ISD. In his most recent role, he served as Dean of Students at Tom Bean ISD. Prior to that, he served across Tom Bean ISD, Trenton ISD, and Whitewright ISD, teaching a variety of subjects in grades 6-12 while also serving as a Head Basketball and Golf Coach. As Assistant Principal, Blaze is excited to build meaningful relationships, serve others, and contribute to the culture of excellence that makes Melissa ISD a special place to learn, grow, and succeed.
“Blaze is a steady and dependable leader who is deeply committed to serving students, staff, and families,” MHS Principal Emily Chapman shared. “He is known for his strong work ethic, data-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students. Blaze builds trust through relationships, leads with consistency, and approaches challenges with thoughtfulness and professionalism. His character, leadership, and dedication to serving others will make him a valuable addition to our administrative team, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will have on the Melissa High School community.”
Katie Upton, Melissa Sixth Grade Center Dean of Students
This is Katie Upton's sixth year in Melissa ISD and her 21st year in education. Before joining the Sixth Grade Center, she held roles as an Instructional Specialist, Academic Dean, AP English Teacher, and Assistant Basketball Coach in Frisco, TX, Garden City, KS, and Oklahoma City, OK. Katie looks forward to serving as the Dean of Students to develop teachers, champion student success, and foster a campus culture that reflects Melissa ISD's values of integrity, loyalty, humility, honesty, and hope.
“Welcoming Mrs. Katie Upton to our leadership team further reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every student and teacher is valued. Her ability to solve problems, lead instruction, support teacher development, and foster meaningful connections with students, staff, and families has already made a tremendous impact on our Cardinal community; I am excited to see this impact now extended to our Sixth Grade Campus. Her commitment to academic excellence and teacher development will strengthen our intention of a continuously flourishing campus culture,” shared SGC Principal David Moliere.
“Having had the privilege of working with Mrs. Upton for two years, I have seen firsthand her strong work ethic, servant leadership, and ability to foster trust, inspire excellence, and create a culture where everyone feels supported and safe to grow. She will bring a wealth of experience, a collaborative spirit, and a relentless commitment to helping every student and teacher succeed at the Melissa Sixth Grade Center.”