Juan "Johnny" Antonio Herrera, Jr. is starting his 17th year at United Independent School District with a new position and new school. Herrera is the Principal of the new Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School, the district’s 13th middle school and the last of 14 new campuses made possible by the School Bond 2013 project.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as the first principal of Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School,” said Herrera. “The opportunity to open a new school is unique and exciting. I am grateful to the Administrators-in-Charge and the United ISD Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve my beloved district and community in this new capacity.”
For many years, the Mines Road community has only had one middle school serving the area. Herrera understands the importance of the new campus to the area and forming relationships with the community.
“I realize many have deep ties with our fellow Bobcat community,” he states. “With the establishment of Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School, my goal is to honor the traditions of the past all the while creating a new tradition of excellence for our Rattlers. Our faculty, staff and administration pledge to work together with our community to make our school a place where our students excel academically and further develop the strong social-emotional skills needed to succeed in today's world.”
Herrera was the principal of George Washington Middle School for two years before his latest promotion; he worked closely with his faculty, staff and administration to establish academic, procedural and cultural systems that created an environment where students could thrive.
Before becoming a principal, Herrera was a social studies teacher for six years, an academic coordinator for two years, and an assistant principal for six years at Lyndon B. Johnson High School.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University.
He also holds a Texas Educator Certificate in Social Studies 8-12, a Principal Certificate EC-12, a Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System Certificate, and a Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System Certificate.
Herrera is married to Susana, a teacher at United ISD. They have three children named Sofia, David, and Olivia. His parents are Juan Herrera and Laura Lopez and his grandmother is Consuelo M. Lopez.
“My family taught me the value of hard work, dedication and tenacity. Their love sustains me, and they make me want to be the best person I can be,” he states.
He enjoys traveling to new places with his family, serving his parish as a member of the San Martin De Porres Knights of Columbus #9626, and challenging himself at a local gym.
The district’s newest school is named after long-time UISD Board Member Juan Roberto Ramirez, a Vietnam veteran who dedicated more than 20 years of service to the Mines Road community. The campus, located at 402 Aquero Blvd., is set to officially open its doors on August 14, 2024.
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