Wylie ISD Announces Leader for Hartman Early Childhood Learning Center

For more than 60 years, Hartman Elementary has been a cornerstone of Wylie ISD, shaping generations of students. Now, as Wylie ISD continues to grow, Hartman is preparing for its next chapter–serving the district’s youngest learners.

Beginning in August 2025, Hartman Elementary will officially transition into the Hartman Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), serving Pre-K students across the district. To lead this growing program, Wylie ISD is proud to appoint Joey Welborn as the principal of Hartman ECLC.

Currently serving as Assistant Director for Early Education Services, Welborn has been instrumental in supporting the district’s early learning programs. In his current role, he oversees Pre-K registration, ensures state and federal compliance, and supports Pre-K campuses, making him the ideal choice to launch Hartman ECLC.

With over 20 years in education, Welborn spent 13 years in Garland ISD before joining Wylie ISD in 2016 as a teacher at Burnett Junior High and later served as an assistant principal at Harrison Intermediate. After a brief move to private business, he returned in 2019 as principal of Akin Elementary, leading the school for four years with a focus on student success and community engagement.

Streamlined Pre-K Services

With the transition to Hartman ECLC, Wylie ISD is preparing to meet the state-mandated requirement to offer full-day Pre-K for all qualifying students by 2026. Centralizing all Pre-K programs at Hartman ECLC will allow for aligned services, enhanced resources, and a strong early learning experience. As part of this shift, Dodd Elementary and Smith Elementary will no longer host Pre-K programs.

A Look at Construction Progress

Renovations for Hartman ECLC began in Summer 2024 and included updating classrooms to better fit the needs of Pre-K students. Phase 1 is complete, and the remaining updates will take place in Summer 2025, ensuring the campus is ready to welcome Pre-K students in August.

The renovated campus will also feature a timeline celebrating the school’s history, allowing past, present, and future students, families, and staff to connect with its storied past.

Among the most exciting additions is a new indoor play and multipurpose facility designed to ensure students can stay active and engaged–even during extreme Texas weather. The facility is already nearing completion. Additionally, expanded parking will provide more accessibility for families and staff.

Wylie ISD looks forward to building on Hartman’s legacy by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the district’s youngest learners as they begin their educational journey.