With a love for the community, Tonya J. Harris has been the Principal of Waxahachie High School since 2019. “I am proud to serve the students, staff, and families of Waxahachie High School and I am honored to be part of a ‘district where innovation thrives and growth is limitless.’”

Mrs. Harris earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She has worked in the field of Education for the past 16 years, 10 of those years have been in administration. She earned her Superintendent Certification in 2016 and is currently working toward the completion of her Doctoral thesis in Educational Leadership.

As principal, Mrs. Harris has the primary responsibility for the overall success of Waxahachie High School. She collaborates with the WHS administrative team, faculty and staff, students, and families to ensure a student-centered atmosphere with the goal of academic success.

Before returning to serve as principal of WHS, Mrs. Harris was the principal of a STEM school in Royce City, Texas. She served as assistant principal of the Waxahachie Ninth Grade Academy, Coordinator of the Waxahachie High School of Choice, she also spent time as a high school English teacher and a cheer coach.

Dr. David Averett, WISD Executive Director of Secondary Leadership said, “Mrs. Harris has the proper balance of behavioral and academic expectations while not losing sight of the realities that can affect both students and staff. I enjoy working with Mrs. Harris and I feel that she has the ship, WHS, pointed in the right direction.”

Mrs. Harris grew up in DeSoto, Texas. She and her husband Kevin raised their 4 children in Ellis County.  Three of her children are following in her footsteps and pursuing careers in Education.

Even though teaching and learning are the focus of Waxahachie High School, Mrs. Harris wants all students and staff to feel a sense of belonging and community at Waxahachie High School. “I want students to feel welcome and enjoy coming to school. Waxahachie is an amazing place to be. This is home.”

As a proud 1996 graduate and WISD parent, I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the WHS leadership team as an assistant principal to serve the students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community I love.

My transition into the role of assistant principal comes after spending the past four years teaching 9^th grade World Geography and AP Human Geography in the WHS Social Studies Department and coaching WHS Cheerleading for the past 2 years. This year will be my 12^th year in education with Waxahachie ISD. Previously, I held positions with Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC as well as with the United States Air Force Educational Services at Hill AFB, Utah.

I am grateful to be married to the love of my life, best friend, and biggest supporter, Jonathan. My daughter, Ally, is a 2019 graduate of WHS. My son, Jackson, is a senior at WHS. My step-daughter, Payton, is a 2022 graduate of WHS. My step-son, Ean, is a sophomore at WHS. Being able to serve on the same campus where my family attends/attended has brought me joy beyond measure.

My experience as an alumna, parent, teacher, volunteer, and now administrator for WISD has given me insight into the values that WISD and WHS hold dear. I will strive daily to support WISD’s core values: Choices, Collaboration, Belonging, and Community. 

I am honored, excited, and blessed to have the opportunity to serve and support the students, teachers, staff, and parents of Waxahachie High School!

I have worked in different industries, including banking and working for the Texas House of Representatives. I began my educational career as an aide but decided I could do more and returned to college. Upon completing my Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Texas at Tyler, I began my teaching career at Corsicana High School in 1996, where I taught Spanish and English. In 2010, I graduated from Lamar University with my Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Throughout my career, it has been my goal to help students prepare for “what is next” and to help grow teachers.

My husband Eugene and I have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of four children, a bonus daughter in the form of our daughter-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter. 

I look forward to continuing to help teachers grow in their craft and facilitate students’ growth to be the best they can be in their future endeavors.

It is my pleasure and privilege to serve the students, teachers, and families of Waxahachie High School as Asst. Principal. I thoroughly enjoy seeing our students in class, on the stage, on the court, and on the field, as I am inspired daily by the abilities and work ethic of our students. Prior to my joining the WHS team, I was Principal at Venus High School and Venus Middle School. I have taught Social Studies and Special Education as well as served as an offensive coordinator and head baseball coach. I am Social Studies, Secondary History, Special Education, PE, Principal, & Superintendent certified. I have been in education for 24 years. Outside of my work life, my wife of 21 years is a middle school principal in Venus ISD. My daughter has just graduated from college where she played volleyball and softball and is pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. My son just graduated from high school and will begin college this fall where he will be playing baseball and working toward his BSN (Nursing).

Blake Harrison is a Waxahachie graduate and will serve as Assistant Principal. Mr. Harrison has served over a decade in Waxahachie. He received his degree in Kinesiology from Tarleton State University and a Masters of Education from UTA. He and his wife Callie have two children, Harper, age 7, and Ford, age 4.

I’m honored to serve as Assistant Principal at Waxahachie High School. I look forward to working with students, parents, teachers, and community members.

I grew up in Houston attending Northbrook High School in Spring Branch ISD.  After high school, I attended the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green!) and earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.  I earned my Masters in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University and completed my administrator's certification through Lamar University. I began my teaching career in Carrollton-Farmers Branch as a science teacher and continue my teaching career in Lewisville ISD.  I began my role as Assistant Principal in Lewisville ISD and continue to grow and learn in Frisco ISD.  

My family is excited about beginning our journey in Waxahachie ISD! My family consists of Casey, who is a teacher in the district, and my children, Ethan and Emma.  We enjoy spending time with family, watching Ethan play football, and Emma in her dance classes.

As I start my 20th year in education, I look forward to being a part of WHS.

Eric McCarty currently serves as Resident Principal. He has also served as Secondary English Language Arts and Reading Coordinator at WISD and as an English teacher before that.  He is a graduate of Millsaps College and received his master's degree from SMU. His mission is to make a difference in young people’s lives by valuing their voices, raising their expectations, and bringing together educators who are driven toward excellence.