Since joining Dallas ISD in 2013, Sarah Hafley-Mendoza has devoted her career to empowering students, supporting teachers, and engaging with the community. Over the past decade, she has served as a teacher, Campus Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

For the past three years as Principal at San Jacinto Elementary, the school has experienced a remarkable rise in excellence and achievement. Her leadership—marked by inspiration, compassion, and unwavering determination—ignited a “Sí Se Puede” attitude and a powerful spirit of teamwork throughout the Pleasant Grove community. These achievements have fueled her passion for ensuring that all students experience joy in learning while unlocking their full potential. This passion led the campus to an A Rating of a 94 and 4 distinctions for the first time in the school’s history!

A first-generation college graduate, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Multicultural Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. She later obtained her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, along with Principal Certification, from the University of Texas at Arlington. These experiences solidified her belief in the transformative power of education.

Sarah embodies resilience and has a deep enthusiasm for building teams that make things happen. She brings a clear, people-centered vision, coupled with a strong commitment to promoting equity in public education. She believes that when a community comes together—building on its strengths and talents—extraordinary results can be achieved.

She and her husband are the proud parents of three children and enjoy spending quality family time outdoors and adventuring together. They share deep gratitude for their children’s teachers and the tremendous dual-language education their children have received as Dallas ISD students since Pre-K 3.

Sarah is honored to partner with the Kiest community on its journey to ensure limitless futures for students and is eager to begin building strong relationships and partnerships within East Dallas.