David Pearce

Mentor: Dr. Richard Lopez

David Pierce grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended schools in Dallas ISD. After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Austin and began his teaching career in Austin ISD. During his 26-year career, he has been a teacher, High School Assistant Principal and High School Principal. His experience is unique in that he has served as a teacher and High School Assistant Principal at an inner-city high school, High School Principal of a successful rural high school and currently leads a large suburban high school. He credits his success to great mentors along the way and building a world-class teaching staff that challenges students to do their best.

David has served as Principal of Hays High School in Hays CISD since 2009. During his tenure as the leader of Hays High School, the campus has earned multiple distinctions in the state accountability system, closed achievement gaps among students and consistently graduates future-ready students. Mr. Pierce was recognized as HEB Excellence in Education Principal State Finalist in 2013 and 2019, Semi-finalist in 2012 and was selected Hays CISD Principal of the year for 2019-2020. The cornerstone of his leadership philosophy is building positive relationships with students, staff and the communities where he has worked and served over the last 26 years.