The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees appointed Jamie Cantu Vargas to be the new Principal at Anita T. Dovalina Elementary School.
With 20 years of educational experience, Vargas has previously served the district as an Assistant Principal for Kawas Elementary School for five years before continuing her administrative services at Ryan Elementary School in early 2023.
Prior to her professional success, Vargas attended Nixon High School and Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts. Vargas received a Child Development Associate Degree from Laredo College, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Texas A&M International University, a Masters of Science in School Counseling, and a Masters of Science in Education Administration from TAMIU. She is currently working on a Doctorate in Curriculum Instruction/Instructional Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
"I want to thank the School Board and Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Rios for placing their unwavering confidence and trust in granting me this opportunity as Principal of Dovalina Elementary. I also want to thank all those who helped and supported me along this path,” Vargas said. “Special thanks and appreciation go to my parents, Sergio and Blanca Cantu and my loving husband Gilbert Vargas and children. They have all been immensely supportive and loving and have always been my guiding angels.”
Not only a passionate advocate for educating our community, Vargas also volunteers her time as an active member of the Texas Border Counseling Association. Additionally, she attends educational conferences such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Voz de Niños, Child Advocacy Center (CAC): Sexual Abuse Awareness and Case, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, amongst many others.
Vargas has earned certifications for Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement Language, Advancing Educational Leadership, and Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System. Due to her dedication and commitment, she is a Holdsworth Fellow, an educational leadership development program.
The newly constructed Dovalina Elementary School campus opened its doors in May of 2023. Currently, it is home to 418 students and 58 administrators and staff. Vargas will be replacing Dr. Karla Peña who recently moved to Houston, Texas.
“My goal is to lead with integrity, passion, and dedication, and foster an environment where students can excel academically, and develop the character, resilience, and skills to ensure their success. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful Wildcat Community and continue to build relationships here and foster academic achievement,” Vargas said.