Principal

Mr. Darrin Hemphill

Mr. Darrin Hemphill, who served as principal of Lyles Middle School since 2012 and as a Vice Principal of Sellers Middle School and Garland High School for a total of 5 years, has been named Principal of Garland Alternative Education Center.  Mr. Hemphill is truly excited about this opportunity and looks forward to serving the students, staff, and parents of GAEC.  Mr. Hemphill comes to GAEC with 21 years of educational experience.  His experience includes being a classroom teacher, behavior specialist, and a special education teacher. 

 

 Mr. Hemphill has earned a reputation over the past 21 years as being a collaborative, strong and energetic leader who can move both students and staff to higher levels of performance. He is an approachable, sincere and visible leader.  The teachers and staff look forward to the excellent work that Mr. Hemphill will inspire at GAEC. Mr. Hemphill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Morganton, North Carolina.  He earned a Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas – Tyler; a Master's Degree in educational leadership from Texas Women’s University and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Western Carolina University.

 Mr. Hemphill received the Raise Your Hand Texas Award.  He is an active member in several community organizations.  He is a member of the Community Health Fairs; Garland Alliance of Black School Educators; Texas Alliance of Black School Educators; National Association of Secondary School Principals; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.  He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. 

Assistant Principal

Mr. Rodrigo Barnes

Mr. Barnes is from Waco, Texas. He earned 3A second all-state honors in football and was a state finalist in track, while attending George Washington Carver High School. After graduation, Mr.Barnes attended Rice University, where he played football for the Owls. He was one of only four African-American student-athletes at Rice and one of 12 African-American undergraduates.

Mr. Barnes was a true pioneer for Rice athletes and the first African-America to be named to an All-SWC Defensive Team. He graduated from Rice with a  Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Behavior Science, and Health & Physical Education. He was a seventh round draft pick by the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in 1973. In mid-season of 1974, Mr. Barnes was traded to the New England Patriots and completed the 1975 season with the Miami Dolphins.

Mr. Barnes played for the Oakland Raiders in 1976 and helped them win Super Bowl XI. Injuries in 1977 forced him to retire from professional football. After his NFL career, Mr. Barnes was general manager and coach in the United States Football League from 1979 to 1981. He earned a Master's Degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University, with certifications in Guidance, Counseling, and Mid-management. His love for preparing the youth of today led him to establish his career in education in 1983. Mr. Barnes has been with various district's, leaving his stamp on education. He has planted his feet on the soils of Garland ISD since 2007 and has been with the Garland Alternative Education Center since 2011. 

Assistant Principal

Mr. Tucker Douglas

My name is Tucker Douglas and I am the Assistant Principal at the Garland Alternative Education Center. Mr. Douglas was an English teacher and coach at Garland High School, where he took his first administrative job. He was also an administrator at Lyles Middle School before coming to the GAEC. Mr. Douglas has a Bachelors in English from Abilene Christian university, and a Masters in Education from Texas A&M Commerce. He has been a part of the GAEC family since 2017.