At the November 17, 2025, board meeting, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved hiring Mr. James Cruz as the new principal for Lehman High School. Cruz has been serving as the interim principal at Lehman High School since earlier this semester. He was previously the principal at Hays CISD’s McCormick Middle School since 2017, and has an additional 14 years of experience as a principal and educator in the Del Valle Independent School District.
“As the principal, I want to ensure that each child has access to and receives a quality education. I believe this can be achieved by providing a safe and nurturing environment conducive to learning,” said Cruz. “I envision our school as a place where all students can learn, where teachers can teach and be supported, and where all stakeholders are committed to excellence.”
Cruz began his education career as a middle school math teacher and boys’ athletic coach at Del Valle Middle School. He also worked at Dailey Middle School in DVISD as a math teacher and math department chair. In 2011, he became the Del Valle Middle School assistant principal prior to earning the top campus leadership position in 2013. Hays CISD hired him in 2017 to lead McCormick Middle School.
“This is an exciting chapter in Lehman High School’s history. James is proven leader and valued community member,” said Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright. “I know the Lobo community will love him. They’ve had a chance to meet him and get to know him and I have heard nothing but positive things!”
Cruz earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from Southwest Texas State University in 2003 and a Master of Education Administration from Concordia University in 2011. He is married to Starr Cruz who serves as a counselor at Hays High School. Their daughter Juliet is a Hays CISD student and their son James, Jr., graduated from Hays High School in 2017. Cruz enjoys spending time with his family and watching his favorite sports teams: the University of Texas Longhorns, the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Antonio Spurs.