While staffing changes happen every year, the administration team experienced a rarity – all five principals are new hires.
Only principal Gretchen Pontious had worked at DHS before, and only Pontious and Shawn Bennett had previous experience as principals.
Principal Gretchen Pontious
Was the Park Hill Elementary principal
Taught at Derby for five years and learned her love for leadership.
Enjoys attending her children’s activities, the outdoors, reading, baking and running
“I am invested in our community and want it to continue to grow and flourish.” – Pontious
Freshman principal Shawn Bennett
Was assistant principal/athletic director at Mulvane Middle School
Wife, Danae Bennett, is the principal at Park Hill Elementary
Loves going to sporting events and concerts
“I wanted the chance to have more of an impact on a school. Being an administrator, I can reach more than just the students in my classroom and the teachers I work directly with.” – Bennett
Sophomore principal Justin McCubbin
Was a Social Studies teacher at Winfield High School
Served 16 years in the Army, 13 in leadership positions
Enjoys spending time outdoors and working on his 1971 Ford Bronco classic truck
“I became an assistant principal because I enjoy working with students and school staff, and I want to leverage my experience as a leader to be a positive presence for them.” – McCubbin
Junior principal Michael Moseley
Was a business teacher at Valley Center High School
Was the sponsor for DECA and Scholar’s Bowl at Valley Center
Enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, going on hikes, camping and walks
“While I definitely enjoyed my 12 years of teaching, I felt so led to pursue a position in which I could make building-level changes to improve education.” – Moseley
Senior principal Cheryl Parks
Was a science teacher in Houston
Began teaching career in Longview, Texas.
Enjoys spending time with her husband, watching theater productions and traveling
“I am hoping to influence a greater population, do more things outside my comfort zone.” – Parks
