Administration
- Leroy Joffre, Principal
- Kimberley O'Donnell, Assistant Principal (9th & 10th)
- Kyle Cottrell, Assistant Principal (11th & 12th)
- Jane Dvorak, Director of Innovation
- Paul Nies, Dean of Discipline
Leroy Joffre, Principal
Mr. Joffre is a distinguished educator with 24 years of experience in education. He has had the privilege of serving students and families as a school administrator of 17 years.
He started his educational career as a fifth-grade classroom teacher and spent several years teaching mathematics in secondary schools. During his work as a teacher, he was awarded the prestigious AWARE Award for excellence in classroom teaching and is honored on the Wall of Excellence at Arlington ISD. He has also been recognized by the Governor of Texas for outstanding performance in education.
Prior to his work in education, Mr. Joffre served in the U.S. Navy as a flight deck aircraft handler as part of the Crash & Salvage Crew during the Gulf War. He gives credit to his military service for his work-ethic, determination, and respect for the chain of command.
Mr. Joffre enjoys working with teachers, sponsors, and staff to find ways to improve the future of children.
He holds a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and is certified in several areas including Math and English. Mr. Joffre is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Liberty University. Mr. Joffre has a reputation of being an “all-in” educator by devoting himself to the district for which he works. It is common to see him at his students’ events.
He and his wife, Cassie, have been married for sixteen years. They have four children and four grandchildren. The Joffre Family enjoys camping, cycling, and church activities. They make their home in Ellis County where they have developed many life-long friendships.
Kimberley O'Donnell, Assistant Principal (9th & 10th)
Ms. Kimberley O’Donnell is honored to join Ferris High School as their new Assistant Principal. She is a Ferris Graduate (Class of 01’), she obtained her Master’s in Educational Leadership through SFA, and earned her Doctorate in Education through Baylor University. She has two daughters and in her free time, she enjoys traveling and almost anything that involves music.
Over the past ten years, she has had the privilege of supporting a diverse group of students and teachers as both a classroom teacher and an instructional coach. Ms. O’Donnell values building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders and is dedicated to improving the level of student learning on campus as well as leveraging the immense strengths of our teachers. By sharing effective and engaging practices in a collaborative environment, we can provide the best possible learning experience for all students to flourish. She looks forward to supporting students and teachers at Ferris High School throughout this year, and for many years to come!
Kyle Cottrell, Assistant Principal (11th & 12th)
Mr. Cottrell is beginning his 25th year in education, his 11th year here in Ferris.
He began his career as a High School Spanish teacher and coaching Golf, Cross Country, Track and Men's Soccer. During his time as a coach he was awarded Coach of The Year twice, and ended his career with over 100 wins.
Mr. Cottrell enjoys positively impacting student lives as well as creating an environment of success for educators.
He holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and a bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of Texas at Arlington.
He and his wife, Julie, have been married 22 years. They have 2 children and 1 granddaughter. The Cottrell family enjoys hiking, farming and ranching, hunting and fishing, and enjoying family meals together.
Jane Dvorak, Director of Innovation
Ms. Dvorak has two married children, an amazing grandson, and a new grandbaby on the way. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family on her ranch, taking macro photography, and riding motorcycles.
She has a bachelor’s in Science Education from the University of Iowa and a master’s in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Commerce. During her educational career, Ms. Dvorak taught high school science, worked as an instructional coach, an assistant principal, and as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Over the last four years, she has been working in Ferris ISD's curriculum department as the Director of Secondary Learning.
This school year, Ferris High School is launching a new PTECH program with two pathways: Residential Construction and Education and Training. In order to support the PTECH at Ferris High School, Career Technical Education, and Advanced Academics, the district has created the Office of Innovation where she now serves as the Director.
Paul Nies, Dean of Discipline
Mr. Nies is entering his 42nd year as an educator. He has been married to his wife, Chris, for 34 years. They have 3 children: Caleb, Hailey, and Isaiah.
His career in education and coaching has taken him all over the country in both High School and College. He has been blessed with great health, a fantastic family, and the opportunity to help people of all ages. His time in Ferris has truly recharged his desire to be an educator!
Jacket Nation Rules...and he is honored to be involved in the future greatness of Ferris!