My name is David Barnes, and I’m excited to join the Vandegrift community as an Assistant Principal. Over the past seven years, I’ve served in Leander ISD: five years as an AP Government teacher and AVID Coordinator at Glenn High School, followed by two years as an Assistant Principal at Giddens Elementary. My career in education is grounded in a passion for student growth, community leadership, and cultivating motivational, high-expectation learning environments.

Before entering education, I served over 27 years in the United States Army, where I led diverse teams across eight countries, with five combat deployments as a US Army Pathfinder. I have been recognized with honors including the Bronze Star and the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award. In my final years of service, I held roles as a Senior Enlisted Advisor for Strategic Petroleum Logistics in South Korea, a Department of Defense Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for III Corps at Fort Hood, and an Aviation Training Director for Division West. I hold a Doctorate in Education Leadership, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, MS in Political Science, and a BS in History and Organizational Management. 

I also hold a Texas Principal Educator Certificate from Lamar University (Houston, TX), along with certifications in Social Studies (7–12 Composite), Speech (7–12), and English as a Second Language (Supplemental).  

Currently, I reside in Leander ISD with my two children, Jameson and Willow.  

I am truly honored to join the Viper Nation; and help provide our students with the best educational experience possible!