LeeAnn Harkins is the Early Childhood Development coordinator for the Marble Falls Independent School District. Staff photo by Suzanne Freeman
LeeAnn Harkins was so inspired by her sixth-grade teacher that she wrote her a note of thanks. Years later, when Harkins took over as principal of Spicewood Elementary School, retiring Principal JoAnn Dillworth handed her a copy of that note. Dillworth was the inspiring teacher Harkins had written.
After 23 years in the Marble Falls Independent School District, Harkins is now the Early Childhood Development coordinator, creating positive learning environments for preschoolers. The 2023-24 school year is her first in this role. She is coordinating the program and teachers for the district’s first class of 3-year-old prekindergarten students. PreK3 joined PreK4 this year.
“It’s their first opportunity to come to school,” Harkins said. “We’re their first look. That means we get an awesome opportunity to show families what we’re about in Marble Falls.”
With Harkin’s passion for her community and education, it’s not hard to see why she was voted Favorite School Administrator in the 2024 Locals Love Us contest by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners.
“It’s a community-inspired nomination, so that means more to me than some of the other (recognitions) we receive,” she said. “It’s really, really cool.”
Her job duties include organizing, coordinating, and supervising virtually every aspect of MFISD’s preschool programming for ages 3-4.
“My favorite thing is to go in and visit the classrooms and get to sit and observe and work with the preschoolers,” she said. “I also love inspiring the teachers.”
Harkins started her administrative role in June 2022 after six years as an assistant principal at Highland Lakes Elementary School in Granite Shoals.
“The district’s mission is to love and inspire,” she said. “We really take ‘love and inspire’ seriously, and I think that’s what’s cool about Marble Falls (ISD).”
A love for community contributed to her decision to work in her hometown.
“This community is amazing,” Harkins said. “Anytime somebody is in need, this community comes together. I’ve seen lots of things happen in Marble Falls, and I’ve seen nothing but love and generosity. It’s a good place to be.”
