Patty Fuentes
(512) 268-2911 ext. 48201 
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 Patty Fuentes brings over a decade of dedication to education, currently serving her 12th year in the field and her 5th 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 two years as an administrator at Lehman 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 4th grade at Negley ES and a son entering 7th grade at Barton MS. Ms. Fuentes is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the Hays Hawk family for the 24-25 school year. 

 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.

Elizabeth Cunningham
(512) 268-2911 ext. 46237
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Elizabeth Cunningham is a dedicated educator with 23 years of experience in the field, currently serving as an Assistant Principal (alpha Mi-R) at Hays High School. Her career spans six years of teaching in middle school and high school, ten years in various high school leadership roles, and six years as a professional school counselor. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Elizabeth brings a comprehensive understanding of student needs, both academically and emotionally.

Elizabeth is known for her compassionate approach, cultivating positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the community. She fosters an environment of open communication and collaboration to support learning and academic achievement. With a strong focus on data and analytics, she skillfully assesses student needs and develops programs that provide guidance and resources for academic progress, future planning, and personal growth.

Elizabeth holds a Master of Education in Counseling and Development, concentrating on Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has implemented proactive developmental guidance programs, collaborated with administration and teachers on various projects, and facilitated parent meetings to address academic concerns. She has also played a crucial role in building master schedules to meet diverse student needs and graduation requirements. In addition to her counseling and administrative roles, she has served as a Campus Activities Coordinator, testing site supervisor, department chair, campus advisory team member, and adjunct professor at Austin Community College. Her extensive experience and dedication to fostering academic achievement and personal growth make her a valuable asset to the Hays High School community.

Over the past five years in Hays CISD, Elizabeth has earned the Superintendent Coin of Excellence and Secondary Counselor Ambassador Award in addition to campus recognitions. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends, in addition to spoiling her rescue French Bulldogs, Bella and Khaleesi.

Aaron Smithers
(512) 268-2911 ext. 48207
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 9-12 He-Me

 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. 

Earrick Stigall
(512) 268-2911 ext. 46236
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Hello, my name is Earrick Stigall, and I am serving in my forth 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. While at GETCAP Head Start,   I ensured that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education, served as administrator for all ARD and IEP  committees, and developed and maintained mental health contracts with outside entities. Implemented a mental health  curriculum, a  program-wide behavior modification plan, and supervised Developmental staff at five locations. I also conducted   yearly observations on 32 classrooms, developed program-wide training schedules, along with many other administrative  duties.

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 16 years and have two children, Endia (13) and Eyan (11).