Derek Zandt Named Human Resources Director for WISD
The Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees named Derek Zandt the Human Resources Director for WISD at their regular meeting on September 8, 2025.
In this role, Mr. Zandt will have a wide range of responsibilities including substitutes, student teachers, recruiting, hiring, and staffing. He is currently pursuing his pHCLE certification, which will further enhance his capacity to lead in this role.
Mr. Zandt is a 1997 graduate of Waxahachie High School and is in his 20th year serving WISD. During his time with the district, he has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at Finley Junior High, and as Principal at Global High School for the past two years. Before moving into the campus leadership role, Mr. Zandt was a social studies and reading teacher at Turner MS, Clift MS, and Finley Junior High. He also served as a football, baseball, and basketball coach at WHS for nine years.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Theresa Burkhalter said, “I am confident that Mr. Zandt’s leadership, experience, and commitment will make him an outstanding addition to the Human Resources Department and a continued asset to our district. He is highly respected across WISD and known for his professionalism, collaborative spirit, and building strong, positive relationships with staff at every level.”
WISD Superintendent, Becky McCutchen said of Zandt, “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Zandt as the new Director of Human Resources for Waxahachie ISD. Mr. Zandt has demonstrated strong leadership and a long-standing commitment to the success of our district through his involvement in numerous impactful initiatives. His dedication to cultivating a positive workplace culture, advancing strategic goals, and supporting staff makes him an excellent fit for this role. We are excited to welcome Mr. Zandt to his new position and look forward to his continued contributions to Waxahachie ISD.”
Mr. Zandt shared, “I am excited about growing professionally in my new role with the district and adding my years of campus leadership experience to the Human Resources Department.”
Derek and his wife, Hillary (WHS Class of 2000 and Reading Interventionist at Jimmie Ray Elementary) have two children, Hannah (WHS Class of 2025), and Hayden (11th grader at WHS).
