McKinney, Texas – McKinney ISD has named Justin Penio the new principal of McKinney North High School. Penio is a seasoned educational leader with 12 years of administrative experience, and he comes to MISD from Allen ISD where he has most recently served as associate principal at Allen High School.
The transition in leadership at North follows longtime Principal Jae Gaskill’s recent move to Central Administration to serve as the district’s Director of Career and Technical Education.
Penio comes into the North principal position with 18 years of experience in education across a broad range of educational settings in both Texas and Illinois. Penio spent the early years of his career as a special education teacher and then moved into leadership roles as new opportunities opened, serving first as dean of students then as a division head for student success, safety and wellness; then assistant principal; and most recently associate principal.
As an instructional leader, Penio helped increase success among students served in special education, partnered with Microsoft Teams to support students in CTE Engineering classes and led academic data analysis for strategic planning.
“The entire process of becoming the principal at McKinney North High School felt right,” said Penio. “I believe that our shared commitment to forming positive relationships throughout our entire school community while providing the best educational experience for our students will foster a thriving educational environment while supporting all students, staff and families. Every student deserves access and opportunities at school to reach their full potential and achieve success.”
Penio holds a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in Spanish from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in special education from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois.