Administration
Phone: (972) 494-8359
Fax: (972) 494-8717
Principal
I am the newly appointed principal at Northlake Elementary. A Rowlett High School alumnus, I started my teaching career as a sophomore English teacher at RHS. As doors to leadership roles opened, I became an English teacher and head track and field coach at Mabank High school and eventually assistant principal at Central Athens Elementary. It was here that I led the campus as restorative discipline coordinator to become the first campus in the state of Texas to receive a badge of distinction and recognition for restorative discipline practices from the Texas Education Agency.
I found my way back to Garland ISD as assistant principal at Weaver Elementary, under the direction and support of Principal Jenny Thomason, where I served for 2 years, prior to my new appointment at Northlake Elementary.
I am one of six state trainers in restorative discipline practices for the Texas Education Agency, and was recently admitted as a doctoral student at Texas Tech University, studying for a PhD in Educational Policy.
I am married to Sarah Shirley, also a teacher in Garland ISD, for 13 wonderful years. In the time we have away from campus, Jake enjoys training for ultra-marathons with his two Australian shepherds, Roger and Paavo.
Assistant Principal
Hello! My name is Leticia “Letty” Arthur and I am honored to be Northlake’s Assistant Principal. I have been an educator for over 20 years, serving in Garland ISD since 2012. I started in GISD as a Dual Language Spanish-English Teacher at Bullock; later I was invited to participate in the ACE program at Handley. After that, I accepted a position in central offices as a district’s Bilingual Instructional Specialist. After two years in that position, I became an Assistant Principal for Keeley Elementary in 2021. I was blessed to join our Northlake family in 2023.
Before coming to GISD, I had the opportunity to experience education in three different countries: Dominican Republic, Italy, and Mexico. I also taught at the university, high school, and middle school levels. Prior to that, I worked in the international commerce field as an Import/Export Coordinator. I studied a Bachelor's in International Studies, a Masters in Logistics, and various certifications in education. I made the transition to teaching once I became a mother and realized how important it is to nurture our children with love, ethics, and knowledge. I am married and the proud mother of two boys and a girl, as well as a furry son.
I believe every student can learn and grow, and we need to take the time to get to know our children and motivate them to be the best version of themselves. Each student, teacher, staff, and family at Northlake deserves my very best, and I am committed to give that every single day. Go Eagles!
Office staff
Maribel Velasco - Secretary
Marina Diaz - Data Clerk
Janna Foster - Nurse