A new assistant principal started at Ellis Middle School on Monday.

Jessica Cabeen, former secondary special education supervisor for the Austin Public School District, has been promoted to the new position. Her contract is on the agenda for approval at the school board meeting next Monday.

Cabeen succeeds Dewitt Schara, who replaced Jean McDermott as principal of Neveln Elementary July 1. McDermott moved to Woodson Kindergarten Center to serve as their principal.

A native of Ladysmith, Wis., Cabeen moved to Austin with her husband from St. Paul to raise her 4-year-old son. She served as a special education supervisor for more than two years.

“I was a lead teacher for eight years in St. Paul Public Schools,” Cabeen said. “We lived in the big city for about eight years and we wanted to live in a small town.

“I’m just excited to serve Austin in any way possible,” she said. “It’s just a really welcoming community.”