Amanda Ramos - Principal

Amanda Ramos has been a proud member of the Garland ISD family for 21 years! Her journey started as a paraprofessional, then she was a teacher and an assistant principal before stepping into her role as a principal in 2019. Each step of her journey through various roles in the district has laid the foundation for her understanding of the next and provided valuable insights that have allowed her continuous growth as an educational leader.

In 2019, Mrs. Ramos embarked on her first principal role at Back Elementary School, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges, her unwavering dedication and the resilience of the staff shone through. Their focus on doing what is best for the students, even in the face of uncertainties, allowed them to excel. Under Mrs. Ramos's guidance, Back Elementary School earned an A from the Texas Education Agency for the 2021-2022 school year, a 5-point increase from their pre-COVID rating. This remarkable growth was acknowledged by Commissioner Mike Morath of the Texas Education Agency.

For the past two years, Mrs. Ramos has been the principal at Sellers Middle School, where her leadership has brought about significant improvements. The school has seen progress in many areas, including academic performance, student engagement, student attendance, and school culture. Mrs. Ramos's belief in fostering an environment where students and staff feel valued and connected has been instrumental in achieving sustainable growth and creating a thriving educational community.

Mrs. Ramos is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to Bussey Nation.

 Brandi Dawson - 6th Grade Assistant Principal

Brandi Dawson is an accomplished educator with a passion for fostering learning and growth. With 19 years of experience in the field, she has made a significant impact at both the elementary and secondary levels. Brandi’s journey began with an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of education.

Driven by her commitment to public education, Brandi pursued a master’s degree in Library & Information Science from Texas Woman’s University. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, as she has also taken on district administrative roles for the past 10 years. Her leadership and dedication have positively influenced countless students and fellow educators.

Outside of her professional life, Brandi enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married for 6 years and shares her home with two incredibly spoiled mini–Austrian Shepherds. When not immersed in education, she can be found enjoying the outdoors, staying activity through sports, or traveling with friends & family.

 

 David Gibbons - 7th grade Assistant Principal

 

David Gibbons is a motivated educator with a steadfast commitment to educational leadership and equity. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Oklahoma State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of North Texas. David has over seven years of experience within Garland ISD, where his journey began as a dedicated RLA teacher, followed by a role as a CTE instructor before assuming the position of Assistant Principal at Sam Houston Middle School.

Throughout his career, David has focused on inclusive and equitable educational practices. His passion lies in implementing systemic approaches that foster multicultural and transdisciplinary learning environments. He is particularly interested in cultivating partnerships among all campus stakeholders, families, and communities to ensure every student experiences a supportive, equitable, and academically-rigorous education. David’s involvement extends beyond the classroom; he has been actively involved in GISD initiatives such as the Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, Assessment Literacy Task Force, and Artificial Intelligence Task Force, all aimed at enhancing educational standards and practices.

He is currently serving as a Lead Middle School Assistant Principal for GISD, where he works with district leadership and other assistant principals to create positive change within the educational landscape. His vision centers on creating environments that celebrate diversity, promote cultural inclusivity and uphold high academic standards. Through his leadership, David strives to empower students to become active contributors to society, fostering both personal growth and cultural representation.

David is excited about his role as Assistant Principal for Bussey Middle School and is committed to diligently serving the students, staff, and families of BMS!

 

Alfonso Calderon- 8th grade Assistant Principal

Alfonso Calderon is a successful educator, coach, and mentor beginning his twenty-third year in education. He has served in multiple leadership roles. His experiences include Head Coach, Department Lead, Campus Coordinator, Assistant Athletic Director, and Secondary Health and PE District Coordinator.  

Mr. Calderon's experiences have equipped him with the skills and expertise to build an environment that nurtures success. His commitment to effective communication, trust, and transparency, as well as his belief in cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity, all contribute to his goal of creating a learning environment that respects and celebrates the unique backgrounds and perspectives of all students, faculty, staff, and administrators. 

This marks Mr. Calderon's fourth year with Garland ISD. He served as Assistant Principal at Seller Middle School for three years and is now bringing his expertise to Bussey Middle School.

Mr. Calderon holds a Master's in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria, and a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Sports from Texas A&M International University.