The Proud Administration Team of Dennis E. Cowan Elementary

Administrators & Office Staff Favorites

Alison Balic, Principal

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! My name is Alison Balic and I am extremely proud to be the principal of Dennis E. Cowan Elementary School.  I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this wonderful community and work alongside dedicated educators, staff, parents, and, most importantly, our incredible students.

I am a passionate educator who believes in the power and promise of an engaging, supportive, robust, and foundational elementary experience for every child. Building close relationships and investing in an inclusive learning community where our Cowan Coyotes feel confident, capable and connected is a focus for our entire staff.

Collaboration and open communication between all stakeholders is of the utmost importance to me. Parents and guardians are invaluable partners in the educational journey. Our school thrives when there is a strong home-school partnership, and I am committed to fostering open lines of communication and collaboration with all members of our community. Together, we create an environment where students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

I eagerly look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you. Let us embark on this exciting journey of learning, growth, and success together. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Mark Pietka, Assistant Principal Everything is about relationships. Our students, our teachers, our parents, and our community depend on each other. And I am so very excited to be here at Cowan Elementary where I can be a part of that great work. I have much to learn, but cannot imagine a better place or group of people to learn from.  No educational entity reaches its goals without realizing that it functions primarily through people. I want to ensure that every member here is valued and believes in the purpose of what we are doing. From Compton to Magnolia and back to Austin, it has been my purpose to build up others, develop leaders, and effect powerful learning experiences to help build a culture of educational success where we all grow together.

Michelle De Marco, Counselor

Cowan Front Office Team

		Olufemi Adeolu - Bookkeeper- Olufemi.Adeolu@austinisd.org
		Louise Gossett - AM Clerk - Louise.Gossett@austinisd.org
		Jill Duarte - Registrar - Jill.Duarte@austinisd.org