The Belton Independent School District (BISD) recently held a momentous Board of Trustees meeting where six talented administrators were introduced to the community. With a mix of seasoned educators and fresh faces, these leaders are set to bring their expertise and vision to the district, promising an exciting new era of educational excellence.
Among the new appointees, Ben Smith takes on the role of the executive director of campus leadership for secondary campuses. Many in the community are already familiar with Smith’s work, as he has been diligently serving as the principal of Belton High School since 2019. Prior to that, he demonstrated his leadership skills as a principal and assistant principal at New Tech @Waskow and Lake Belton Middle School. With a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Smith’s experience and dedication are valuable assets to the district.
Claudia Knox, a veteran educator with an impressive 27-year journey in the field, will be stepping into the role of principal at Belton High School. Having previously served 11 years as an assistant principal at BHS and as a 4th-6th grade teacher, Knox’s deep-rooted understanding of the school’s dynamics is sure to foster a nurturing and empowering environment for students and staff alike. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Denise Sharp joins the BISD family as the executive director of campus leadership for elementary campuses, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Round Rock ISD. Her diverse background encompasses roles as a principal, executive principal coach, supervisor of elementary curriculum and federal programs, instructional coach, mathematics coach, and teacher. With a bachelor’s in elementary education from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Shippensburg University, Sharp is poised to make a lasting impact on the younger learners of the district.
South Belton Middle School will have a new leader in James Larremore III, an accomplished educator with 16 years of experience in various roles, including principal, associate principal, assistant principal, teacher, and department chair. Additionally, he has served as a safety director, ensuring a secure and nurturing learning environment for students. Larremore holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M Commerce, showcasing a commitment to lifelong learning.
Tracy Rieger assumes the role of director of curriculum and instructional design for the Big Red Community after an impressive tenure as director of academics and leadership positions in the curriculum department at Round Rock ISD. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Lamar University, Rieger is poised to enhance the district’s educational programs and foster innovative teaching approaches.
Completing the lineup of outstanding administrators, Fredrick Lilly II will lead North Belton Middle School as its principal. With prior experience as a middle school principal in Camden, Arkansas, and a track record of excelling as an assistant principal, coach, and teacher, Lilly brings a unique perspective to the position. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas-Monticello and a master’s degree from Mississippi College, with ongoing doctoral studies at Liberty University.
In response to these exciting appointments, Manuel Alcozer, BISD Board president, expressed enthusiasm for the new team. “We are excited to see Ben Smith and Claudia Knox step into their new roles in BISD,” Alcozer stated. “We extend a warm welcome to Denise Sharp, James Larremore, Tracy Rieger, and Frederick Lilly as key members of our leadership team.”
The Belton ISD community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of these administrators as they collaboratively work towards shaping a bright future for the district, nurturing students’ growth, and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
Texas Reporter 