From April 7-11, IDEA Public Schools is recognizing National Assistant Principals Week! This is a time where we recognize the hard work and dedication of our Assistant Principals of Operations (APOs) and Assistant Principals of Instruction (APIs). These leaders play a huge role in making our schools safe, successful and supportive for students, teachers, and families.
Our campus leadership teams are essential in the everyday things that make our campuses a great place to learn and a great place to work. To start this National Assistant Principals Week, let’s meet two incredible assistant principals who make a difference every day!
Denise Franco, APO at IDEA Horizon Vista – El Paso
As the Assistant Principal of Operations at IDEA Horizon Vista, Principal Denise Franco ensures that her campus runs like a well-oiled machine so that teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. From managing daily logistics to overseeing safety, attendance, and facilities, she is all about creating a smooth and structured environment.
Franco starts her mornings by checking her calendar and writing down her priorities and reminders. She’ll also do a walkthrough of campus, ensuring all doors are locked and working properly. One of her biggest priorities is ensuring every scholar feels safe from the moment they step on campus.
Every day, she leads the campus Average Daily Attendance (ADA) meeting with her grade team leaders, counselors, sis coordinator, and registrar. They go over the daily attendance, while analyzing trends and strategizing on how they can best support families in getting their scholars to school.
Since IDEA Horizon Vista opened its doors in 2020, Principal Denise Franco has been a key figure in not only running the campus but growing its community. She’s been able to watch her scholars grow up, while connecting with their families. Hands down, she says her students are the ones who inspire her every morning when they walk in with their big smiles (or sleepy faces), she knows she has the chance to brighten their days.
Nora Cuevas, API at IDEA Toros – Rio Grande Valley
No day looks the same for Assistant Principal of Instruction at IDEA Toros, Principal Nora Cuevas. Some days she will focus on instruction by observing classrooms and conducting instructional rounds. On other days she will oversee testing scheduling and preparation. With a mix of different responsibilities, she’s constantly shifting focus to make sure each area of her work receives the attention.
Ensuring students receive the instructional support they need to be on track for graduation is a central part of her role. She maintains communication with teachers and grade team leaders to stay informed on where students are in their academic journey.
Another essential part in her role is coaching her teachers. Often described by her colleagues as “deeply passionate”, Cuevas believes in leading by example, always prepared to roll up her sleeves and step in to support them directly in the classroom. By fostering open dialogue and communication, she strives to create a culture of mutual support and accountability.
Having been with IDEA Toros since its inception as a founding teacher in 2016, she’s not only been able to see her students evolve and flourish, but the campus as well. Every day, she’s in awe of her teachers, many of whom are teaching multiple subjects.
It’s rewarding for her to be able to also see their progression and their growth professionally. Cuevas firmly believes they are the heart and soul of the school, and she is proud to work alongside them every day.
Interested in leadership positions on our campuses? Check out our careers website and apply now to join our Team and Family for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
