(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — August 2, 2025) — El Paso ISD proudly announces the appointment of Sally McHalffey as the new principal of Nixon Elementary School.
McHalffey brings a strong foundation in instructional leadership, teacher development, and strategic planning to her new role. With more than a decade of experience in education, she has served in various instructional and leadership capacities, most recently as interim principal of Powell Elementary School, where she oversaw all aspects of campus operations. Her collaborative leadership style and commitment to academic excellence were instrumental in advancing campus-wide goals, ensuring student growth, and strengthening family and community engagement.
Prior to her interim principalship, McHalffey served as assistant principal at Wiggs Middle School. During that time, she led instructional teams in analyzing student data, implementing curriculum strategies, and supporting professional learning communities (PLCs) to improve student outcomes. Her experience managing school operations and fostering teacher development made a lasting impact on the school community.
McHalffey was also a classroom teacher and instructional coach at Zach White Elementary School, where she mentored fellow educators and supported the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
She holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M University in College Station. Her Texas educator certifications include Principal as Instructional Leader, K-12 Special Education, and an ESL endorsement.
McHalffey is an active member of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) and Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS). She also participated in the El Paso ISD Empower Fellowship, a district program designed to develop future school leaders.