Administration

Howdy Valley Ranch Elementary Families! 

I am thrilled to be the Principal at Valley Ranch Elementary.  The "RANCH" has become my school home, and my focus is to ensure that all our Wranglers' needs are met and that they feel loved and supported each day they spend on campus. 

Over the past thirteen years, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles within NCISD, including teacher, team lead, Assistant Principal, and now Principal.  My educational background includes a Master of Education in School Leadership from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. 

One of my greatest passions is helping others grow and discover their strengths through collaboration, communication, and inspiration. I am deeply committed to instilling in each of our Wranglers the joy of learning and the desire to be lifelong learners. This commitment is at the heart of our educational approach at Valley Ranch Elementary. 

At the Ranch, we build dreams one piece at a time!

I look forward to an incredible year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences for our Wranglers. Let's work together to make this school year a remarkable one. 

My name is Karesse Richards, and I am honored and elated to serve as one of Valley Ranch Elementary's Assistant Principals! I am excited to embark on my second year in New Caney ISD and learn the Valley Ranch Way; I eagerly begin this journey and graciously join the staff at VRE as we build dreams one piece at a time! 

Over my past 14 years in education, I have served as an elementary school teacher, a math teacher at an alternative middle school, a campus coach for all subjects, a district-level math instructional coach, and an assistant principal. I earned both a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. I am married to Jeremy Richards, an amazing, committed, and loving husband and father to our 2 children, Jaxen Keith (3 years old) and Kaleah Jade (1 year old). 

I am beyond excited to join the great work already happening at Valley Ranch. I look forward to building relationships, making collaborative decisions, and growing and learning beside students and staff members! I am dedicated to ensuring high levels of learning for ALL students! I look forward to making this a fantastic year for every Wrangler!

I am excited and grateful to be welcomed into the New Caney ISD family. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but I grew up in the south suburbs. I moved to Puerto Rico with my family and ended up back in the Chicago area two years later. My experience of going to Puerto Rico without knowing any Spanish piqued my interest in bilingual education. Since then, I have earned a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual Education with a minor in Spanish from Chicago State University followed by a Masters degree in Educational Leadership at National Louis University, along with getting Special Education certified. I have taught bilingual education, special education inclusion/resource/self-contained, and have been an administrator for 13 years. I moved to Texas in 2015, working in Houston and Huntsville.

I knew when I met the staff from Valley Ranch Elementary this was the place for me.  "The Ranch" has a loving supportive environment I will enjoy contributing to. My goal is to help students, parents, and staff feel safe and supported through coaching, modeling, and helping to find the resources they need to be successful.  I am excited to be part of a dynamic team that wants to see every Wrangler performing to their best ability.

Let's have a great year!