Academic Dean & Assistant Principals

Patty Fuentes

Academic Dean
(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!

Claudia Vasquez

Assistant Principal (A - C)
(512)268-2911 ext. 46236
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Claudia Vasquez is proud to serve as an assistant principal and is dedicated to helping every student succeed both academically and personally. Raised in a close-knit family, she learned the importance of hard work, kindness, respect, and serving others—values that continue to guide her leadership each day.

With over 24 years in education, including 14 years as a Spanish teacher, seven years as an elementary assistant principal, and three years as a high school assistant principal, Mrs. Vasquez brings a unique perspective to student success. Her experience at the elementary level provided her with a deep understanding of how strong academic and social foundations are built, while her work in high school has shown her how those early experiences shape students' growth and where additional support may be needed.

Mrs. Vasquez believes every student deserves a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. She takes the time to learn each student's educational background, strengths, and challenges so she can better support their academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. She believes that understanding a student's story is essential to helping them succeed.

As a bilingual educator, Mrs. Vasquez values building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. She is committed to creating a school culture where every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their goals.

Outside of school, Mrs. Vasquez enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She loves watching sports, especially football and softball. Her daughter is a junior at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she plays collegiate softball, and her son is a senior at the high school. Supporting her children from the sidelines is one of her greatest joys.

Mrs. Vasquez believes that when schools lead with integrity, compassion, and high expectations, every student has the opportunity to thrive and become a confident, responsible, and caring member of the community.

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Earrick Stigall

Assistant Principal (D - Ha)
Campus Behavior Coordinator
(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).

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Aaron Smithers

Assistant Principal (He - Me)
(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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Ruben Sarinana

Assistant Principal (Mi - R)
(512) 268-2911
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Ruben Sarinana serves as an Assistant Principal with over eight years of experience in education, including roles as a special education teacher, department chair, and campus administrator. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about building strong relationships, creating systems that support student success, and ensuring all students have access to rigorous and inclusive learning opportunities. Mr. Sarinana has extensive experience leading special education programs, instructional improvement initiatives, and campus systems focused on student achievement and postsecondary readiness. He is committed to fostering a positive school culture where students and staff are empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.

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Petra Gonzalez

Lead Assistant Principal (S - Z)
(512)268-2911 ext. 46237
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Petra Gonzalez is entering her second year as a member of the Hays High School Administrative Team and her first year as Lead Assistant Principal. She brings 21 years of experience in education, including the past 10 years serving the Hays CISD community.

Before joining Hays High School, Mrs. Gonzalez served as an Assistant Principal at Wallace Middle School for four years. Prior to that, she spent four years as a Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Coordinator at Wallace Middle School. Before coming to Hays CISD, she dedicated 11 years to Austin ISD as a Physical Education and Health Teacher and Athletic Coordinator.

Mrs. Gonzalez is passionate about building strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, families, and the community. She is committed to creating a positive school culture where all students have the opportunity to succeed and looks forward to continuing to make a lasting impact at Hays High School.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas State University.

Education is a family passion for the Gonzalez family. Her husband, Homero Gonzalez, serves as an Assistant Principal at Wallace Middle School, and their daughter is a proud Hays CISD student.