United Independent School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Rivera as the new principal of Perez Elementary School.

Mrs. Rivera brings 24 years of experience in education, including 19 years in leadership and campus administration. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to fostering student success, supporting educators, and creating learning environments where every child can thrive.

A graduate of St. Augustine High School, Mrs. Rivera earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M International University, and a Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University.

Mrs. Rivera most recently served as assistant principal at Perez Elementary School, a role she has held since August 2024. Prior to joining Perez Elementary, she spent more than a decade at United Day School, serving as Head of School and Assistant Head of School. Her previous leadership experience also includes serving as Assistant Principal and Curriculum Specialist at St. Augustine Elementary and Middle School. Earlier in her career, she worked as an early childhood teacher and coached cross country and track at the high school level.

Coming from a family of educators, Mrs. Rivera credits her grandmother and mother, both teachers, with inspiring her passion for education and lifelong learning. She and her husband, Felipe, are the proud parents of two sons, Phil and Jake, both students at Alexander High School. A former collegiate cross country and track athlete at The University of Texas at Austin, Mrs. Rivera says the discipline, perseverance, and dedication she developed through athletics continue to influence her leadership style today.

As principal, Mrs. Rivera's priorities include ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all students, promoting academic excellence through data-informed decision-making, fostering a growth mindset, and strengthening partnerships among students, families, educators, and the community.

“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to step into the role of Principal at Perez Elementary,” said Mrs. Rivera. “Having served as the assistant principal, I already know how incredibly special this community is. I am excited to continue partnering with our amazing teachers, staff, and families to support our students as they grow, learn, and thrive.”

Mrs. Rivera said her vision for Perez Elementary is to create an environment where academic achievement and emotional well-being go hand in hand, empowering students with the resilience, creativity, and confidence needed to shape the future of their community.