Academic Dean & Assistant Principals

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Academic Dean

Patty Fuentes
(512) 268-2911 ext. 48201 
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Patty Fuentes brings over a decade of dedication to education, currently serving her 13th year in the field and her 6th year in administration. Beginning her career in Austin ISD, Ms. Fuentes has held diverse roles including Special Education ELA teacher, instructional coach, dyslexia designee, and campus testing coordinator. She received her BA in English at Texas State and her Masters in Education from the University of Texas in Austin. 

Ms. Fuentes has been a part of the Hays CISD family for the past three years and will be starting year two at Hays HS. Her focus revolves around fostering academic rigor, building teacher capacity, and ensuring student readiness for post-secondary success. Her journey in education has been marked by a passion for enhancing student learning experiences and supporting teacher growth. 

Outside of work, Ms. Fuentes cherishes time with her family. She is a proud parent to a daughter starting 5th grade at Negley ES and a son entering 8th grade at Barton MS.

Ms. Fuentes is excited to be back with her Hays Hawk Family for the 25-26 school year to continue in support the campus's academic success. #HawkYeah!

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Lead Assistant Principal (9-12, S-Z)

 Tonya Kallfelz
  (512) 268-2911 ext. 46236
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  Tonya Kallfelz has devoted 24 years to serving students, educators, and families in Central Texas    High Schools. She began her  teaching career in Austin ISD where she invested 16 years in education   as a teacher, dyslexic designee and academy coordinator.  During her time  in Austin, she provided engaging programs and opportunities for students to get involved in schools and have a place where they felt a sense of belonging. Mrs. Kallfelz was a Director of the Year Semifinalist with the Texas Dance Educators Association and was named Arts and Humanities Teacher of the Year. In May 2012, Mrs. Kallfelz earned her Masters in Administrative Education from Concordia University and spent the next two years developing, coaching and mentoring educators as well as providing support systems that would meet the needs of all students. Mrs.  Kallfelz made her transition into administration as Assistant Principal at Hays High School in Hays CISD and  quickly became the Lead Assistant Principal. In this capacity she has been responsible for providing instructional support to the campus and with English Language Learners. She is dedicated to improving academic outcomes for all students and ensuring they are prepared for college and career experiences. Mrs. Kallfelz work also includes developing teachers and staff in their leadership capabilities through campus opportunities and programs. When Mrs. Kallfelz is not working, you can find her playing golf, watching her son’s play soccer, or taking trips with her family.

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Assistant Principal (9-12, He-Me)

Aaron Smithers
(512) 268-2911 ext. 48207
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Aaron Smithers is starting his 15th year in education. Born and raised in the midwest he attended college at Indiana University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Theater. After spending 5 years pursuing an acting career in the Chicago theater circuit he decided to pursue a career in teaching and received his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education. He also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Texas State. 

His teaching journey began in the Carmel Clay School district in Carmel, Indiana. He has taught 7th and 8th grade social studies at Garcia Middle School and Pflugerville Middle School, where he used the skills learned in the theater trade to bring History to life for his students. 

His leadership career began as an MTSS coach in Bastrop ISD. He then became an Assistant Principal at Brenham High School where he has spent the last two years making a difference in the lives of young people and the staff of that district. He is excited to work and learn alongside the students and professionals of Hays High School. 

Mr. Smithers loyalties lay with the 11 time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals and Newcastle United FC.  Outside of the school day Mr. Smithers is more than likely watching the English Premier League, hiking or diving into a good book. 

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Assistant Principal (9-12, D-Ha)

Earrick Stigall
(512) 268-2911 ext. 46236
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Hello, my name is Earrick Stigall, and I am serving in my 8th year as an Assistant Principal at HHS. Before I  accepted my current position at  HHS, I served two years at Nacogdoches High  School as an Assistant Principal. Before my step into   Educational Administration. I was employed for three years at Nacogdoches ISD as a Teacher and Coach. Prior to NHS, I was employed at GETCAP Head Start as the Developmental Specialist for 12 years. 

I possess a Master of Special Education and Bachelor of Art in Rehabilitation Science Counseling. I also hold teacher certifications in Special Education (Grades EC-12), Generalist (Grades EC-6), Generalist (Grades 4-8), Social Studies (Grades 7-12), and a certification in Educational Leadership (Grades EC-12). As an educator I strive to ensure a family friendly environment where everyone feels welcome, promote lifelong learning, and we as professionals must remember that we are obligated to meet every student’s educational needs. Educators must let their students know that they care and that they are there to support all students. No matter what the climate of the school or the culture of the community, the educator must build a positive relationship between the two. While in the workplace, the educator must set norms that will require everyone to respect each other. When professional standards are established, students and staff will begin to perform more productively, and a positive campus identity emerges.

Educators are challenged daily because of the many different dynamics that an educational environment present; we must ensure that each educational opportunity is executed with the highest of quality. I feel that my education and variety of professional experiences over the last 20 years has prepared me to be a lifelong educator. On a personal note, I have been married to my wife Deatrick for 20 years and have two children, Endia (17) and Eyan (15).

Assistant Principal (9-12, A-C)

Claudia Vasquez
(512)268-2911 ext. 46236
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Petra Gonzalez

Assistant Principal

Petra Gonzalez
(512)268-2911
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Petra Gonzalez is very excited to be part of the Hays High School team. This marks her 20th year in education, with 9 of those years proudly spent in Hays CISD. Before stepping into her current administrative role at Hays High School, she served as an Assistant Principal at Wallace Middle School for 4 years and a Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Coordinator at Wallace Middle School for 4 years. Prior to joining Hays CISD, she worked in Austin ISD as a Physical Education and Health Teacher, as well as an Athletic Coordinator.

Mrs. Gonzalez is committed to fostering positive and meaningful relationships with students, staff, and the broader community. She looks forward to continuing her service and making a lasting impact at Hays High School.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Texas State University.

Education is a family passion—her husband, Homero Gonzalez, is the proud Principal of Uhland Elementary, and their daughter is a student at Blanco Vista Elementary, where she loves being part of the school community.