Administration
Duke Barnett - Principal
Responsibilities
- Student learning in Fine Arts
- Campus Improvement Team
- Title 1
- Parent Teacher Association
- Department Head Meetings
- Administrative Meetings
- Budget
- Discipline Appeals
- MYP Admin
Nici Altieri - Assistant Principal
Responsibilities
Professional Bio
Mrs. Altieri grew up in Garland and attended South Garland High School. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in leadership development. Upon graduation, she began a career in corporate America, where she spent 7 years in Accounting and Mortgage Servicing with two Fortune 500 companies. With a heart for service, she felt called to education with the dream of making a difference and changing lives. She received her master's degree in educational leadership from Lamar University in 2013.
She taught at Naaman Forest High School for 5 years before moving to Dallas ISD to be a part of the Leadership Development Fellows Academy. Altieri then spent 3 years in Dallas ISD as an instructional coach, followed by one year in Richardson ISD as an instructional coach before returning to Garland ISD as an assistant principal at Coyle Middle School from 2019-2023. During her time in education, she has served at every grade level PK-12.
Altieri would describe herself as a servant leader with a heart for people and a passion for quality instruction driven by data. However, she would rather people see that in action than to say it herself. She is honored and excited to serve the owls and to call GHS "home"!
Mrs. Altieri is married to her husband, J.T. for 18 years and has 2 children (15 and 17). She enjoys music, dancing, camping, riding ATVs, quality time with friends and family, and visiting mountains and beaches.
- Student learning in English Language Arts and Reading
- Student learning in CTE
- Dallas County Promise
- CLC/PLC
- Positive Behavioral and Intervention and Supports
- Attendance/PEIMS Administrator
- Teacher Duty Schedule
- Technology Admin
- TTESS/CWT
- Staff Shirts
- Coordinate Grade Level Meetings
- Coordinate Leadership Meetings
- GHS Staff Handbook
- Discipline (A-E)
Professional Bio
Principal Barnett is entering his 20th year in public education, which includes 18 years serving with Garland ISD. He is excited to embark on his new role as Principal at Garland High School, a school community in which he is very familiar and calls “home”. Principal Barnett has previously served the Garland High School community as an Asst. Principal, Math Facilitator, Math Teacher, and Coach. His previous experiences in Garland ISD includes serving as Principal of Coyle Middle School. He also led a major school transformation at Coyle Middle School by designing, implementing, and launching Coyle Technology Center for Math & Science. Coyle Tech is Garland ISD’s first innovative school of choice operating as a “whole-school” model for magnet-style MST programming. He also served as a transformational principal for two years in Pine Tree ISD, Longview, TX.
Considering himself a life-long learner, Principal Barnett received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, and has completed his doctoral coursework at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Principal Barnett prides himself on being a distributive leader who mobilizes and empowers teachers and staff to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. However, he stays focused on the fact that “he is the number one determinant of the success of his students”. And when it comes to creating a culture and climate centered around loving our kids and school community first and foremost, he calls himself an “obsessive”.
Principal Barnett is married to his wife Laura (35 years). He has three children, Justin, Meghan, and Jared, who are all GHS grads! He has two daughter-in-laws, Charity and Marn! The pride of his life are his 5 grandchildren, Holden, Marshall, Maddox, Harper, and Charlie! He enjoy his family time, all types of music and theater, hanging out on his boat, playing golf, and family vacations at the beach. #Gig’emOwls #BelieverstoAchievers #ChooseTheOriginal
Dr. Jennifer Fegraeus - Assistant Principal
Responsibilities
Professional Bio
Dr. Fegraeus is very excited to be a part of the Garland High School family, joining GHS as an assistant principal in August 2016. She graduated from Baylor University and spent 16 years prior to 2016 as a middle school and high school math teacher and testing coordinator. Twelve of those years were spent teaching students in Garland ISD. Dr. Fegraeus earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2004 from Texas A&M Commerce, and she earned her Educational Doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Fegraeus is very looking forward to an amazing year of helping students and teachers!
Gig ‘Em, Owls!
Craig Klement - Assistant Principal
Responsibilities
Professional Bio
Mr. Klement is looking forward to continuing to serve the students and faculty of GHS, but now as Assistant Principal. His previous experience includes RTI Facilitator and 1:1 Instructional Coach here at GHS, and teaching math at Sachse and Sulphur High School (Southwest Louisiana). Mr. Klement grew up in the GISD system and graduated from NFHS. He went on to get his Bachelors Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from McNeese State University and his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. Outside of school, Mr. Klement enjoys quality time with his wife and 5 children. Some of the Klement family's favorite hobbies include playing/watching sports, board and card games, reading, building with Lego, puzzles, gardening, being outside, and traveling.
Mr. Klement is honored to work with the wonderful math department, help lead our ECHS program, and provide opportunities for students to earn their CCMR (College Career Military Readiness). Let's have a great school year working together!
Sherita Rischer - At-Risk Administrator
Responsibilities
Professional Bio
Ms. Rischer has been working at Garland High School since 2013 in many different capacities. She received her undergraduate degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, and her Masters of Education in School Administration from Concordia University of Texas. Ms. Rischer believes every student needs a champion, and she is dedicated to being just that for all in need.
Chris Thomas - Assistant Principal
Responsibilities
Professional Bio
Mr. Thomas is an Assistant Principal at Garland High School. He has been an educator in GISD for the past 16 years. His experience in Garland ISD includes serving as a math teacher, technology applications teacher and boys athletics coach at both Sellers Middle School and Lyles Middle School. Mr. Thomas has been an Assistant Principal at Sellers Middle School for the past 4 years and is excited to join the GHS administrative staff. He looks forward to working with the school community and all stakeholders at Garland High School.
Admin Team Members
- Aretha Akande- Testing Advisor/504 Coordinator
- Kelli Davis - IB MYP Coordinator
- Gina King - 1:1 Instructional Coach
- Darrin Montena - Behavior Interventionist
- Valerie Johnson - IB and AFA Magnet Advisor / Industry Liaison
- Timothy Schmidt - ECHS Magnet Advisor / Industry Liaison
Aretha Akande- Testing Advisor/504 Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Testing Coordinator
- 504/Dyslexia
- IGC
My name is Aretha Adetumilara Akande and I’ve served in GISD since 2011. Both my kids graduated from Garland High: Lanre (my older/son) a senior at The University of North Texas studying Biomedical Engineering and Temi (my younger/daughter) a junior at Texas Christian University studying Nursing with the hopes of becoming a Psychiatric Nurse soon. We are a family that enjoys working out, cooking from scratch, and traveling. We are blessed to be who and where we are, remembering never to give up on being a positive light in someone's darkness.
Kelli Davis - IB MYP Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- MYP Coordinator
Kelli Davis has been an educator within Garland Independent School District since 2008. She firmly believes that creativity has a critical role in education and was eager to join Garland ISD's mission to expand its International Baccalaureate programs due to IB's shared commitment to cultivating lifelong learners through research-based, innovative practices. As the inaugural Middle Years Programme Coordinator, Kelli collaborates with a network of educators, including teachers, administrators, and the Office of Innovation, to develop and implement the Middle Years Programme at Austin Academy and Garland High School. In May of 2024, both campuses were officially recognized as International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programmes (MYP), proudly joining the esteemed worldwide community of over 5,000 IB schools. Kelli finds great joy in witnessing students' development through the MYP, especially during the tenth-grade capstone project, where students can pursue their personal passions extensively. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University in College Station and a Master of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
For more information, please email: Kelli Davis.
Gina King - 1:1 Instructional Coach
Responsibilities:
- Ready 1:1 program
- Webmaster
- Technology Instruction
- Technology Coaching
- Professional Development Facilitator
Gina King is a product of Garland ISD. She went to Weaver Elementary, Sellers Middle School, and Garland High School (Gig'em!). Her experience includes 7 years teaching middle school ELAR, 4 years as an elementary librarian, and 4 years as a middle school librarian. She is a Google Level 1 and Level 2 educator, she just became a Google Certified Trainer, and she is working on getting her Google Certified Coach credentials. Technology, research, reading, and writing are her jam! She loves putting all that together to inspire students to love learning and go into adulthood with wonder and passion. She loves spending time with her husband and teenage daughter. She is so happy to be back at GHS, and a place who appreciates her extensive owl collection.
For more information, please email Mrs. King.
Darrin Montena - Behavior Interventionist
Responsibilities:
- Facilitator student’s behavior Intervention plans
- Manage mentor program for at risk students
- Communication facilitator between teachers and students
- Home visits
- Teacher training and support
Darrin Montena is a product of Dallas ISD. He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School. He earned a Bachelors in Management Information Systems from Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX and two Masters, one in Training and Development and the second in Education Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce, Commerce, TX. He is an US Army veteran of 11 years. His experience includes eight years teaching at Thomas Jefferson high school, Dallas, TX, Dallas ISD. Five years teaching at Rowlett high school, Rowlett, TX, Garland ISD. Two and half years Career Technical Education coordinator at Garland ISD. One year Retention and Recovery Specialist, Garland ISD. He loves spending time with his family and playing golf.
Valerie Johnson - IB and AFA Magnet Advisor / Industry Liaison
Responsibilities
- International Baccalaureate Magnet Coordinator
- Diploma Candidate Advisor
- Academy of Fine Arts Magnet Advisor
- IB Testing Coordinator
Valerie Johnson has served the community of GISD for over twenty years where she has taught every level of English including in the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate. In 2023, Valerie was thrilled to be named the IB Coordinator and the Academy of Fine Arts Advisor because she has a true passion for the IB magnet and for the Arts. In fact, the IB Programme is what first brought her to Garland High School in 2001, and she is pleased to foster her love of IB with students, colleagues, and the community. Her door is always open for students who need guidance and support as they traverse the path of the programme. She believes that all students can find success once they discover their own passion for education. Valerie has a son at UNT and daughter at CalArts who are both pursuing degrees in the Arts.
For more information, please email Mrs. Johnson.
Timothy Schmidt - ECHS Magnet Advisor / Industry Liaison
Responsibilities:
- ECHS Coordinator
- Academic patches
- Academic letter jackets
- CCMR/TSI-A - 2
Mr. Schmidt is new to Garland High School and has taught on-level and AP History and created/coordinated College/Career and Dual Credit programs at his previous campuses. He received his BS in History from Texas A&M-Commerce and his M.Ed in Gifted Education from LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. His education philosophy centers around information literacy, access to programs/resources, individualism, and equal opportunity. He echoes the sentiments of the previous IBDP Coordinator, Ms. Tisdale, who has a very similar mindset - "I am passionate about students. I am a believer in creating challenging inquiry environments that stimulate learning and think that being a teacher is the best profession on earth."
For more information, please email Mr. Schmidt.