Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is pleased to announce that Dr. Khayla Sewell-Bernard has been named the new principal of Wayside Middle School. Sewell-Bernard is familiar to Wayside families, currently serving as an assistant principal at the school. She has 16 years in public education. 

Throughout her career, Sewell-Bernard has served in a variety of positions including teacher, counselor, and assistant principal. She began her career in Pulaski County Special School District in North Little Rock, AR., and later moved to Houston where she served in Alief ISD, Fort Bend ISD, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Dr. Sewell-Bernard was also an administrator in Lubbock ISD before moving to Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. 

“Dr. Sewell-Bernard's extensive experience in education, coupled with her warm and approachable personality, make her an ideal leader for Wayside Middle School,” said Walter Berringer, EMS ISD Executive Director of Secondary Services. “She is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, fostering positive relationships, and empowering students to achieve their full potential.” 

Sewell-Bernard earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology from Tennessee State University, a master's degree in counseling from Texas Southern University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Houston. 

"I am excited to bring the passion, energy and expertise this school community has come to know from me into the principal’s role,” Sewell-Bernard said. “I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students and to working closely with teachers, staff and parents to achieve this goal.” 

Dr. Sewell-Bernard is married to her husband, Chris, and they have four children; two that attend Hafley Development Center and the other two attending elementary school. She enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring new places, cuisines and cultures.