Two Fort Bend ISD Administrators Earn TASSP Region 4 Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year Honors

FORT BEND ISD (June 17, 2026) – Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce that the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) named Dr. Amber Grady, principal of Almeta Crawford High School, the Region 4 Outstanding High School Principal of the Year, and Dr. LaToya Austin, associate principal of Hodges Bend Middle School, the Region 4 Outstanding Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.

As regional winners, Grady and Austin are eligible to compete for the state-level title.

TASSP's Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes exemplary campus leaders from across Texas who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to their schools and communities. Region 4 includes school districts throughout the Greater Houston area.

As principal of Crawford High School, Grady’s leadership is grounded in being a lifelong learner and an instructional leader who stays current on research, strategies, and best practices to better support teachers and students. She invests in building others’ capacity so they can grow into new roles and lead alongside her. Above all, she believes that any student can be successful regardless of their zip code or background.

“Being named TASSP Region 4 Principal of the Year is a true honor, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition and proud to represent Crawford High School and Fort Bend ISD,” Grady said. “Serving as an educator or leader is never about recognition. The work is demanding, but more importantly, it is “heart” work—and one of the most rewarding callings I am blessed to live out every day.” 

Austin leads with integrity, respect, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. She strives to ensure that staff members feel valued, supported, and empowered in their work. She is motivated to positively influence the lives of young people and to build meaningful relationships with students, staff and families.

“Being named TASSP Region 4 Assistant Principal of the Year is a humbling honor that I never anticipated, and I am deeply grateful to have been nominated and selected by my peers,” Austin said. “This award reinforces my commitment to building strong relationships and partnerships, nurturing the talents and strengths of others, and believing that every student can achieve excellence when surrounded by people who invest in them and champion their success.”

TASSP will honor Grady and Austin along with other regional winners during its 2027 Summer Workshop.

To learn more about TASSP, visit www.tassp.org.