Austin ISD principals assume the commitment to support and guide quality teachers and staff, resulting in a productive learning environment for their students.

On this National School Principals’ Day, AISD thanks the educational leaders of our campuses.

AISD is proud to have welcomed eight new campus leaders to its leadership team during the 2020-21 school year. The board approved the appointments of principals at Becker, Blanton, Mills and Zavala elementary schools, Kealing and Martin middle schools, McCallum High School, and Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

Becker Elementary School
Travis Barrett was selected as the principal of Becker Elementary School in December of 2020.

Previously, Mr. Barrett served as the assistant principal at Crockett ECHS. Mr. Barrett brings over 11 years of bilingual teaching experience to this role. He received his master’s degree from Boise State University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho.

“I am deeply honored and privileged to serve as the principal of Herman Becker Elementary,” Barrett said. “Everyday our amazing teachers, students and families are committed to ensuring our community is joyful, inclusive and bilingual. I am excited and committed to moving forward with the great work being done here at Becker. ¡Viva Becker!”

Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy
De’Sean Roby was selected as the principal of Bertha Sadler Means YWLA in December of 2020. 

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Roby served as an assistant principal and academic dean at Clint Small Middle School and Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy. She also brings eleven years of Austin ISD teaching experience to this role. Her master’s degree is from Walden University and her bachelor’s degree is from Grambling State University.

“I began my teaching career in AISD at this campus when it was Pearce Middle School,” Roby said. “I am honored to return home as the new principal of Bertha Sadler Means. I look forward to building a robust Dragon coalition with students, parents, community and teachers as we prepare these young leaders for their bright futures.”

Blanton Elementary School
Victoria O’Neal was selected as principal of Blanton Elementary School in December of 2020.

Previously, Ms. O’Neal served as an assistant principal at Oak Springs, Joslin and Summit elementary schools. She brings over 11 years of teaching and instructional coaching experience to this role. She received her master's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her bachelor's degree from Tulane University.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be the principal of Annie Webb Blanton Elementary school, a place of courage, pride, achievement, and community,” O’Neal said. “Blanton is a joyful school where we believe that ALL students can create, learn, develop self-motivation, and improve the world we live in. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and learn here.”

Kealing Middle School
Jerald Wilson was selected as the principal of Kealing Middle School in December of 2020.

Previously, Mr. Wilson served as an assistant principal in both Dallas ISD and Garland ISD. He brings over six years of teaching and coaching experience to this role. Mr. Wilson is currently working on his doctorate degree in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University. He received his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University.

"I am truly honored and blessed to have the opportunity to lead Kealing Middle school and to continue the legacy of excellence this campus has had,” Wilson said. “We aim to create a great learning experience for all scholars."

Martin Middle School
Brandy Gratten was selected as the new principal of Martin Middle School in April of 2021.

Brandy served as the academy director at LBJ Early College High School and as assistant principal at Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy. She also brings eight years of teaching and coaching experience to this role. Her master’s degree and principal certification course work were completed at The University of Texas at Austin.

"It is an honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Martin Middle School," Gratten said. "Together with the students, families, staff and neighborhood partners, we will thrive as a school community as we honor our history and allow it to empower our present and future. I am energized and committed to building and sustaining relationships, supporting the whole child, and strengthening our innate passion for learning that will last a lifetime. Together we are unstoppable!"

McCallum High School
Nicole Griffith was selected as the new principal of McCallum High School in April of 2021.

She served as both directors of academics and director of the academy for global Studies at Stephen F. Austin High School. She also brings eight years of teaching experience as a Geography Teacher to this role. Her master’s degree and principal certification coursework were completed at Texas State University.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the principal of McCallum High School, and I look forward to forging forward in this amazing community for many years to come,” Griffith said. “I strive to work with students, staff and families to continue to achieve excellence in the classroom and to motivate our students to reach their full potential.”

Mills Elementary School
Angela Frageman was selected as the new principal of Mills Elementary School in April of 2021.

Mrs. Frageman served as assistant principal at Nan Clayton, Baldwin and Patton Elementary. She brings teaching and reading interventionist experience to this role. Her master’s degree was completed at Concordia University and principal certification coursework was completed at Texas State University.

"I am honored to serve as the principal of Joe Dan Mills Jr. Elementary,” Frageman said. “Together with the families, staff, and our students, we will thrive as a school community. I am energized and committed to building relationships, supporting the whole child, and sustaining a culture of excellence representative of the campus’s mission and vision.”

Zavala Elementary School
Samantha Hill was selected as principal of Zavala Elementary School in December of 2020.

Previously, Ms. Hill served as both assistant principal and math specialist at Zavala Elementary. She brings over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher to this role. Ms. Hill received her master’s degree from Concordia University and bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

“I am honored to be the principal of Zavala Elementary and realize how special it is to have the privilege of leading the school that has fostered so much love in my heart for the past 30 years,” Hill said. “I will continue to serve with pride the students and families of East Austin. ¡Viva Zavala!”

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