Garland ISD named Ashley Wong principal of Sachse High School, a campus of nearly 2,900 students on Miles Road.
The district introduced Wong alongside two other new principals at its Aug. 25 board meeting, according to a Sachse News report on the session. Melody Sawaski was named principal of the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center, and Kristy Nolan was named principal of Coyle Middle School.
The district has not released details about Wong's background or what prompted the leadership change.
Sachse High, at 3901 Miles Rd., earned recognition as a 2025–2026 Texas Honor Roll School and a U.S. News & World Report Best High School, according to the school's website.
Board honors Linda Griffin
The Aug. 25 meeting opened on a somber note. Trustees honored Linda Griffin, 76, who died Sunday, Aug. 23, after 28 years on the Garland ISD Board of Trustees. Griffin was the first Black woman to serve on the board.
Board President Wes Johnson asked for a moment of silence, then invoked Griffin's lifelong motto.
"Miss Griffin would want us 100% to move on with this meeting … because what was her life about? Always benefiting children. ABC," Johnson said.
He added that Griffin would want the board to continue that work "tonight and every night moving forward."
Dr. Ricardo López, the district's superintendent, called Griffin's death a tremendous loss for the district and the families and educators whose lives she touched, in a statement issued Aug. 23.
Garland Education Association President Lucero Cazares-Rodriguez told the board during the public forum that Griffin's loss would be "greatly felt throughout the district." The association had supported Griffin in each of her trustee campaigns. Cazares-Rodriguez also asked the board to consider a program allowing employees to donate leave days to colleagues facing health issues.
Trustee Robert Selders Jr. said the meeting felt "different" without Griffin and expressed gratitude for what he learned from her during his own board service.
Johnson said the district plans a formal celebration of life for Griffin. No date has been set.
Trustees approve instrument contract
The board unanimously approved its consent agenda and voted unanimously to consolidate two contracts for musical instrument purchases, repair services and parts. Trustees also recognized UIL State Solo and Ensemble Gold Medalists and members of the Texas Choral Directors Association Honor Choir.
Garland ISD trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Sept. 22.
