Longtime LHS Principal Dr. John Pineda Resigns to Head to West Texas

Dr. John Pineda, who has been with La Grange High School for 14 years, including since 2015 as the High School Principal, resigned last week to take the position of Executive Director of Secondary Schools at the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah School District in far West Texas.

“My goal is to be a superintendent one day,” Pineda told The Record last week. “This is the next phase of my career in reaching that goal ... This was a tough decision and I didn’t take it lightly.”

In a statement submitted to the newspaper Pineda expanded on his time with LGISD: “Our high school is filled with some of the very best teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, custodial staff and food service staff anywhere. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to students are what make this school so special. Together, we have worked hard to create a culture focused on relationships, and student success.

“I am especially proud of the academic progress our campus has made, including continued improvements in accountability measures, with exciting results expected this August. Most importantly, we have consistently produced outstanding students who are prepared to succeed in college, careers, and life.

“This district has also been a wonderful place for my own family. Having the opportunity to watch my daughter grow and learn here has made this community even more meaningful to me.

“I will always be grateful for the relationships, memories, and support I have experienced here. This school and community will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Lucy Carr, La Grange High School Yearbook and English teacher said she was happy for Pineda, but sad for the district, because of all Pineda meant to LHS.

“I had no teaching experience when I met Mr. Pineda at a job fair,” Carr said. “He was encouraging right from the start ... Two or three years into my teaching career my husband got into a bad car accident when I was at school. Mr. Pineda was so supportive of me as a teacher and a human being.”

He didn’t stop at making sure her classroom was attended to, he then drove her to the scene of the accident so she could be with her husband.

“He’s got a real servant’s heart,” Carr said.

Superintendent Andy McHazlett said, “I appreciated everything he did for the district. John was great to work with. We wish him all the best, but now we are going to do what we need to do to hire the best person for the job.”

McHazlett indicated that the high school principal job would be posted as soon as possible and both internal and external candidates would be considered to replace Pineda.