A lot of familiar faces will welcome in the 2015-2016 school year in Abilene ISD, but a stranger or two will be thrown in the mix as school leaders who left the district are replaced.

Two of those strangers may not be strangers at all, but they’re both taking on new leadership roles as the principals of local elementary schools.

Sergio Jimenez, an Abilene native, will serve as head of Ortiz Elementary School. Jimenez’s teaching career took root in Del Rio, and he has experience as an assistant principal working with students of all ages. He served as assistant principal of Cooper High School for one year prior to his promotion. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Sul Ross University.

Chris Halifax will take over at Reagan Elementary. She has a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree in administration from Texas Women’s University. She was a fifth grade teacher at Reagan and has more teaching experience from the Conroe and Grapevine school districts.