The Proud Administration Team of Dennis E. Cowan Elementary
Alison Balic, Interim Principal
With great pleasure and enthusiasm, I write this letter to you as the Interim 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. For the last three years I have served as the Assistant Principal at Summitt Elementary School. Prior to that I taught at Zilker Elementary and Joslin Elementary Schools here in Austin ISD.
As an interim principal, my primary goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards of excellence for which Dennis E. Cowan Elementary School is known. I understand that change can sometimes be challenging, but I am committed to upholding the school's values and providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic growth and personal development for all 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 will be a focus from the beginning.
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.
JC Sanders, Assistant Principal
Hello Coyotes! I am Mrs. Sanders and happy to be serving Dennis E. Cowan Elementary as an assistant principal. In my teaching career, I was a special education teacher, math teacher, 3rd-grade teacher, and special education department chairperson. In my educational career, I have worked at the service center and state level as a specialist and coordinator. I joined Austin ISD in 2017 as a district math specialist and most recently served as a district early childhood instructional coach.
In education, I am passionate about supporting students along their journey of becoming independent adults. I believe we never know a child’s full potential so as educators it is our job to help limit barriers to students’ achieving what they set out to achieve. I am also passionate about supporting teachers in their work of delivering high-quality instruction that is culturally responsive and inclusive of all learners. I believe we are all learners and I cherish opportunities to be a part of someone’s growth and development.
I am a native Austinite but left our beautiful city for a short time to earn my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I returned to school years later to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and then completed my principal certification from Stephen F. Austin.
I have three amazing children and a loving husband. We enjoy camping and traveling together. We are a scouting family. I have been the scout leader for both of our daughters’ troops and my husband is the leader for our son’s den. I also enjoy cooking, especially baking, working on crafts, and playing the ukulele.
I am very excited to be a Coyote and a member of the Cowan Community. I look forward to building relationships with the students, families, and teachers of Cowan. Let’s learn and grow together!
Cowan Front Office Team
Bookkeeper- @austinisd.org
Louise Gossett - AM Clerk - Louise.Gossett@austinisd.org
Jill Duarte - Registrar - Jill.Duarte@austinisd.org
Carrie Nelson - PM Clerk - Carrie.B.Nelson@austinisd.org
Linda Horton - Health Room - lhorton1@austinisd.org
