Jorly Thomas has taken the helm as principal of J. Frank Dobie High School.
Thomas transitioned into his new role after serving as the school’s interim principal from December to mid-February 2022.
Surrounded by his immediate family and work families from both Fred Roberts Middle School and Dobie High School, Thomas was approved for the position during a special called board meeting of the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees on Feb. 15.
“I have great confidence in Mr. Thomas’ leadership. He leads with a positive mindset and is committed to continuing the excellence of Dobie Pride,” said Alyta Harrell, associate superintendent for campus development.
An educator with over 20 years of experience, Thomas started his career as a teacher in Galena Park ISD in 1999. He went on to become a counselor the following school year at Spring ISD and then Fort Bend ISD in 2003.
Thomas first joined the Pasadena ISD family as an assistant principal at Beverly Hills Intermediate in 2006 and continued to serve as an AP at Dobie High School from 2013 to 2015.
In 2015, Roberts Middle School named Thomas as its inaugural principal. Under his leadership, the school earned many academic accolades from 2017-2019 including:
- Academic Achievement in Science
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Academic Achievement in English Language Arts/Reading
- Post-Secondary Readiness
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Top 10 Percent: Closing Performance Gaps
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Number one: Student Progress
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2019 Model School Award, recognizing the staff's dedication to student academic success
Since Dobie opened its doors in 1968, only a handful of individuals have served as principal of the Longhorn community: Allen Sory (deceased); Frank Braden (deceased), who served from 1976-1988; Jerry Speer, 1988-2000; Steve Jamail, 2000-2012; and Thomas’ predecessor Franklin Moses, who served as principal from 2012-2021.
Thomas is the sixth principal to continue the 50+ year tradition of excellence at Dobie High.
“I am honored to be the next torchbearer of Dobie Pride,” said Thomas.
Thomas reflected on his experience at Roberts Middle and what he learned along the way.
“Over the past seven years as the principal at Roberts Middle School, I learned that you could serve and lead simultaneously,” he said. “Leaders add value to organizations by serving others. Finally, I believe that an effective leader is one whose actions and motivation reflect a selfless commitment to the school's cause.”
Thomas graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Houston. He earned his master’s degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University and has obtained certifications for principal leadership, history and counseling.
Visit our Facebook page for photos from the Board of Trustees February 15 special called meeting.