This is Mercedes Love, who leads with her heart. Her passion for education came at a young age knowing this is the field she would excel in, and her love for her students and staff shine day in and day out.

Harris County Department of Education celebrates its four campus leaders during National Principals Month, which includes a special video tribute. We also hear from staff members who work alongside them to best serve Harris County learners day in and day out.

Tony Rachal, Secretary

“Seeing her as a principal, it’s easy to see that she’s here for the staff. She talks to staff a lot and likes to stay involved in everything. I have to tell her a lot of times, ‘You need to stay in your office more,’ but she likes to be out, walk around and be involved in all the things that are going on throughout the campus. That’s important because with our students, they need to have that go-to person they’re familiar with. The kids are very familiar with Ms. Love, with whenever they’re having a hard time or something, most of the time it’s her they want to see.”

Melvin Shepherd, Behavior Specialist

“Our first meeting was definitely all New Orleans – you could hear it in her voice. But she also sounded very dedicated, which is what I was looking for. She understood what it meant to have collaboration, accountability and transparency, which is what I look for in any organization that I want to be a part of. She understood that to the ‘T’ and she not only understands that, she practices it here and she practices it all the time. She let’s the staff be who they are and give them what they need.”