Spicing Things Up

New Principal Tiffany Spicer takes the helm for next year

by Siandhara Bonnet, Editor-in-Chief

There’s a new principal on deck and her name is Ms. Tiffany Spicer.

Spicer comes to LHS from Round Rock Independent School District where she is currently the principal at Ridgeview Middle School, but this won’t be her first time in a high school setting. Spicer previously worked at Stony Point 9th Grade Center and Cedar Ridge High School as an administrator.

“I love my middle school students, but I wanted to work with my older students in high school and prepare them for college and beyond,” Spicer said. “I can’t explain it, but high school students hold a special place in my heart.”

Spicer applied for the principal position because she felt Leander was a great choice to continue her career in.

“I did my homework before I applied,” Spicer said. “I heard wonderful things about the students, teachers, counselors, administrators and the community. It sounded like a great place for me.”

Spicer is most excited about coming to a new district to work with the students, faculty and staff.

“I know I will have to learn the Leander way, but I believe it will be a smooth transition,” Spicer said. “People have been so kind to me by answering questions and providing insight and support. I think everything will be great.”

Spicer received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s degree from Texas State University in San Marcos. She is currently pursuing an Education Doctorate at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“At first I was going to stop at my Master’s, but I had so many people encouraging me, so here I am,” Spicer said.

Although she’s currently a principal and hopes to one day be a college professor, Spicer wants to do much more in the public school system.

“I went into administration so I could change systems and improve them for all students,” Spicer said. “I also aspire to be a superintendent before I retire so that I can create and sustain districts across our state.”

From her previous schools, Spicer plans on bringing her personality to Leander.

I want to see what Leander High School is really about. I want to learn about the people that make up this great school. I want to find our strengths and improve areas of need.

— Tiffany Spicer

Spicer also has a goal to attend as many school events as she can. She has already visited campus a few times and attended a school board meeting to check out the Architectural Design students’ prosthetic hand project, she took selfies with Mr. Mansfield in the hallway and also recently attended a band concert.

“I don’t know if we have faculty vs. students challenges, but I want us to have a few of those, too,” Spicer said.

Her own high school experiences include playing varsity volleyball and being a member of the homecoming court at Albuquerque High School.

“We went to state for the first time in history of the school when I was in the 9th grade,” Spicer said.

Spicer is more than just business, though. She enjoys watching Scandal, Law & Order: SVU, Frozen and she listens to NeoSoul and gospel music. Her favorite superhero is Batman, her favorite Disney Princess is Tiana and Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday.

“I love celebrating and giving thanks with my family,” Spicer said. “I also like Christmas; we have several birthdays around that time, including mine, so we have a lot of fun.”

Something most people wouldn’t know about her is that she is the oldest of two, but the shortest. She also has two daughters who are taller than she is, and sometimes people think they’re sisters.

“I have a younger brother who is approximately 6’1″ and I’m 5’2″,” Spicer said.

Although she’s short, she aspires to do big things. Spicer’s favorite thing about teaching is the students.

“They keep me coming back year after year,” Spicer said. “Students first.”

You can also follow Ms. Spicer on Twitter.