Unparalleled Opportunities: Katy ISD Announces New Leaders for Innovative Pathways, Cardiff Junior High

KATY, TX [December 10, 2025] – Katy ISD is advancing its vision for innovative learning with the appointment of Kelley Kirila as principal of Innovative Pathways, a new program that will unite the District’s Miller Career & Technology Center (MCTC), Raines Academy and the soon-to-launch Legacy Virtual High School. Innovative Pathways will provide a dynamic, blended learning experience that combines hands-on workforce preparation with flexible core and advanced academics, delivered through both virtual and career-focused instruction.

Kirila served as principal of the MCTC for nearly six years and previously held instructional and administrative roles in Katy ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD. She brings nearly two decades of educational leadership experience to her new role.

“Principal Kirila’s passion for helping students take ownership of their learning and her commitment to blended instruction and community partnerships made her the ideal leader for this role,” Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski said. “Her leadership will set the bar in Texas for virtual high school excellence.”

Cardiff Junior High Welcomes New Principal

Cardiff Junior High will welcome Richard Merriman as its new principal, returning him to a campus where he taught early in his Katy ISD career. Merriman has more than 18 years of experience in the District, including service at Mayde Creek Junior High as a teacher, an associate principal at Katy High School and principal at Raines Academy.

“The Cardiff Junior High community is gaining an exceptional leader,” Dr. Gregorski said. “Principal Merriman has built his career around advocating for student involvement and fostering a collaborative approach to teaching and learning.”

Merriman succeeds outgoing principal Scott Rounds, who will support Innovative Pathways as an interim administrator this spring before retiring at the end of the school year.

All three administrators will begin their new roles on January 5, 2026. 

New Innovative Pathways Principal Kelley Kirila.

Recently announced Cardiff Junior High Principal Rich Merriman. 

Scott Rounds joins Innovative Pathways as an interim administrator.

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