Principals
Mrs. Mary Zucha
Principal

Zucha, a proud Wylie native, has deep roots in the Cooper community. She began her career in Wylie ISD in 2015 and spent seven years teaching seventh-grade science at Cooper Junior High, where she also coached cheer and served as the student council sponsor. Her commitment to students and excellence in the classroom earned her the title of Campus Teacher of the Year and Wylie ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2019-20.
In 2022, Zucha was named assistant principal at Cooper, bringing her leadership experience and strong relationships with students, staff, and families to the front office. She was promoted to principal in 2025.
Zucha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University and earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University.
Mr. Brandon Beaty
Dean of Students A-K

Before becoming a dean of students at Cooper Junior High in 2025, Mr. Beaty served as a social studies teacher and football and track coach at Wylie High School. Since joining Wylie ISD in 2021, Beaty has earned a reputation for building positive relationships with students and leading with integrity. His contributions, both in the classroom and on the field, have made him a respected and valued member of the community. His dedication and impact were recognized when he was named the 2022-23 Wylie High School Campus Teacher of the Year.
Beaty's career in public education began in 2010 at Wimberley Junior High in Wimberley ISD, where he taught U.S. History and coached football for five years. He then moved to Weatherford High School as a history teacher and defensive line coach from 2015 to 2017, followed by a role at North Mesquite High School as a history teacher and offensive and defensive line coach for three years. Before joining Wylie ISD, Beaty spent a year at Rowlett High School as a history teacher and defensive line coach.
Beaty holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas State University and is on track to graduate this spring with a master’s degree from Texas Tech University as part of Wylie ISD’s continuing education partnership with the university.
Mr. Khellan Paul
Assistant Principal L-Z

Paul brings over a decade of experience in education and a strong commitment to student growth and staff collaboration. He joined Wylie ISD in 2021 as an eighth-grade math teacher at Burnett Junior High. While at Burnett, Paul completed an administrative internship, assisting with STAAR coordination and campus operations. He actively contributed to school culture and student support as a member of various committees, including anti-bullying, discipline, as well as the school’s guiding coalition and the Wylie ISD Districtwide Educational Improvement Council (DWEIC). He went on from Burnett to become an assistant principal at Cooper Junior High in 2025.
Prior to joining Wylie ISD, Paul taught math in Richardson ISD, Tyler ISD, and Trinity Charter Schools, where he held various instructional and leadership roles.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler and earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University through Wylie ISD’s continuing education partnership with the university.