Hi Best Family! 

As your Principal,I am committed to making sure EVERY student at Best receives a quality education to ensure they become lifelong learners. Students are our business! I am excited to work with our families and community to build strong partnerships to ensure our students receive the BEST education and experiences at BEST Elementary. 

Building.Exceptional.Students.Together!

Go Bulldogs!

My name is Erika Williams and I am excited to serve at Best Elementary for the 2023-2024 school year. I received my undergraduate degree from Jarvis Christian College and Master's from University of Houston @ Clear Lake. Alief ISD has been a part of my life for almost 20 years. I joined the district in 2004 as a 4th grade teacher here at Best Elementary and taught in the classroom until 2012. From 2012-2021, I worked at Alexander Elementary as a Reading Specialist and was fortunately promoted to the role of Assistant Principal. I also served as Assistant Principal at Youens Elementary from 2021-2023. I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the campus that made me fall in love with education and the Alief community.  A school should be a safe place for students to enjoy coming daily and exploring new ideas with their classmates. Therefore, I am committed to making sure all students feel comfortable and confident that they can reach their full potential while building meaningful relationships with staff and their peers. I believe that with a willing child, supportive family, and dedicated staff, the opportunities for success are endless! I will continue to strive for excellence by helping Best Elementary students become better each day. "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today". -Malcolm X

Mr. Cooks started his educational career as a 5th grade ELA teacher in Houston Independent School District. His area of expertise is specifically in instructional leadership and academic improvement with students from diverse backgrounds. When Mr. Cooks isn't connecting with teachers and students; he enjoys spending time with family and playing golf. Mr. Cooks is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is currently furthering his education as a Ed.D student in the Baylor K-12 Educational Leadership Program. He is a growing leader and looks forward to administrative collaboration and school improvement.

Hello, my name is Jose Ortiz and I will be joining Best Elementary as an assistant principal. I am excited to be joining this team. I have been an assistant principal for seven years and look forward to the challenges that we will face together. I have experience teaching third and fourth grade and have been an ESL and Math specialist. This will be my 18th year working in Alief ISD.