Nederland Independent School District has announced Natalie Gomez as the new Central Middle School principal at a school board meeting Wednesday.

Central Middle School serves over 700 fifth-eighth grade students.

Gomez takes over for Charlie Jehlen, who served the district for 17 years.

Jehlen spent his first 25 years in the Port Arthur Independent School District as a teacher, before heading to Nederland as the assistant principal for two years before taking over as the “top canine.”

“I told the students that their new principal would be better looking, and the district delivered,” Jehlen said.

Gomez has seventeen years of educational experience all within Nederland ISD. The last seven years she has served as Assistant Principal at Nederland High School. Gomez holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lamar University and has serves on numerous district committees. According to the district, a seven-person committee assisted with interviewing Gomez amongst a large applicant pool.

“We congratulate Mrs. Gomez and look forward to having her as part of our district leadership team,” NISD Superintendent Robin Perez said. “She has been a dedicated employee to Nederland ISD and we are anxious for her to share new ideas and perspectives at Central Middle School.”

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to serve Central Middle School! I look forward to meeting the students and staff and working together to achieve many great things in the future,” said Gomez.