Feb. 28, 2025—Kimberly Harthorn, assistant principal at Owens Elementary School, was named the principal of Francone Elementary School on Feb. 27. Harthorn replaces Melissa Martin, who was recently named CFISD assistant superintendent of elementary curriculum and instruction.

Harthorn has 25 years of experience in education, all of which have been in CFISD. She began her career as a math and science teacher at Hamilton Elementary School. She later transferred to Gleason Elementary School before moving to Frazier Elementary School as a math teacher.

In 2007, she became a math and science instructional specialist at Lee Elementary School, where she also served as a science teacher from 2011-2014.

Harthorn later became the science instructional specialist at Owens Elementary School before being promoted to her current position as assistant principal in 2016.

Harthorn earned her Bachelor of Science in 1999 from Southwest Texas State University and her Master of Education in 2006 from Sam Houston State University.

“I am excited and honored to begin this next chapter in my educational journey as the principal of Francone Elementary,” Harthorn said. “I am eager to work with, learn from and build relationships with the staff, students and community while continuing the traditions and commitment to student success. I’m proud to be a Francone Falcon!”