Administration

James "Buddy" Bush, Principal

Mr. Bush served as principal of Grand Oaks High School in Spring, where he led a rapidly-growing 6A campus of 3,900 students to academic gains, increased Advanced Placement participation, and earned statewide recognition for both academics and extracurricular excellence. Under his leadership, Grand Oaks rose steadily in UIL Lone Star Cup rankings and achieved both AP Silver Honor Roll and AP Access Awards.

Mr. Bush holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

Julie Haney, Associate Principal for Operations  

Julie Haney has served communities in public education for over 25 years, most recently as a Lake Travis High School Assistant Principal.  Her career has involved leading campuses in developing technology-rich learning environments, curriculum development centering around conceptual understanding and inquiry within the International Baccalaureate Programme, and mentoring new teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels. Prior to joining Lake Travis ISD, Mrs. Haney was a high school Assistant Principal, CTE Department Chair and teacher, and district technology specialist. 

Mrs. Haney was born in Chicago, Illinois where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Concordia University. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Walden University and completed the Educational Leadership program at Texas State University. 

Mrs. Haney has two children who attend the University of New Mexico and Austin Community College. In her free time, Mrs. Haney enjoys watching football, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and pets. 

David Cox, Assistant Principal, 9th-12th Grade Students (A-Car)

David Logan Cox has dedicated the past 16 years to serving students, families, and educators. He recently served for two years as the Assistant Principal of a Southern California TK–6 elementary school serving more than 900 students, where he helped improve schoolwide attendance through targeted initiatives while contributing to noticeable gains in state assessment scores. He believes every student deserves a safe, positive learning environment where they can grow academically, socially, and personally.

Mr. Cox earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Bakersfield, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from UMass Global. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at UMass Global. He is passionate about supporting teachers and students, building strong relationships, and creating systems that help every member of the school community succeed.

When he is not at work, Mr. Cox enjoys spending time with his wife, their three children, his horse, and their dogs. He strives to lead with faith, integrity, compassion, and a heart for serving others.

Tony Dominguez, Assistant Principal 9th-12th Grade Students (Cas-Fre)

Tony Dominguez came to education after two tours in the U.S. Air Force. He remained in the Air Force Reserves through 2004, when he retired as a Major. His education career began 1990 as a government and economics teacher at La Feria High School in the Rio Grande Valley. He transitioned to administration with an Assistant Principal position at Bryan High School and soon thereafter earned the Principal position at Karnes City Junior High. Through the years he has centered his professional skills with Title I schools at all levels where he was able to turn schools around from poor performing to high performing. He has a passion for centering teachers’ skills and motivations towards growing the capabilities of all students.

Mr. Dominguez received double bachelor degrees from Texas State, majoring in Economics and Political Science, with a Master of Education also from Texas State. Currently he is at the dissertation stage at The University of Texas - San Antonio and is working towards earning a doctorate with a major in education leadership.

Melanie Naquin, Assistant Principal 9th-12th Grade Students (Fri-Ja)

Melanie Naquin is excited to return to Lake Travis High School as an Assistant Principal after serving the district for ten years as a teacher and coach. She most recently completed four years as an Assistant Principal at Dripping Springs High School, where she led freshman transition initiatives, coordinated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and partnered with district leadership on major campus construction and renovation projects. Passionate about building positive relationships and creating systems that help students thrive, Ms. Naquin believes every student deserves to feel known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.

Ms. Naquin earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership through Stephen F. Austin State University.

Outside of school, Ms. Naquin enjoys health and wellness, usually has three books going at once, and loves taking long walks with her spouse and their two dogs. She is excited to reconnect with the Lake Travis community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to continue the tradition of excellence at Lake Travis High School.

Ms. Sandra Surdy, Assistant Principal, 9th-12th Grade Students (Je-Ma)

Sandy Surdy has been an educator for 16 years. She was a classroom social studies teacher for over 10 years in both New York and Texas. Five of those years were as a US History, US Government, and AP US Government teacher at Lake Travis High School. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, she was an Instructional Coach at Hays CISD and Corpus Christi ISD. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland and a Masters of Art degree in Secondary Education from Texas State University.

Ms. Surdy has two children who attended Baylor University and her husband, Jason, is a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Ms. Surdy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

K.B. DeBord, Assistant Principal, 9th-12th Grade Students (Mc-Pop)

K.B. DeBord is entering his 23rd year in education and is excited to return to Lake Travis High School as an Assistant Principal. Mr. DeBord began his career at Judson High School as a social studies teacher and swim coach before joining Lake Travis High School, where he served as a swim coach, social studies and special education teacher, and At-Risk Coordinator. He later served as an Assistant Principal at Vandegrift High School, Assistant Athletic Director for Leander ISD, and Assistant Principal at Dripping Springs High School before returning to Lake Travis.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Education from Concordia University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

Mr. DeBord and his wife, Brooke, a teacher at Serene Hills Elementary, are proud members of the Lake Travis community. They have three children—Peyton, Parker, and Pierce—who have all attended or currently attend Lake Travis ISD schools.

Melanie Beninga, Assistant Principal, 9th-12th Grade Students (Por-St)

Melanie Beninga is beginning her 29th year in education and her 25th year in Lake Travis ISD. Throughout her career, she has served as both a teacher and administrator at the elementary and secondary levels. She and her husband are proud parents of two students who attend Lake Travis High School, and she is excited to continue serving the Lake Travis community as a proud Cavalier.  

Ms. Beninga earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Texas A&M University, a Masters of Counseling and Guidance degree from Texas State University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Stuart Foreman, Assistant Principal, 9th-12th Grade Students (Su-Z)

Stuart Foreman received his Bachelor of Science as well as his Masters in Educational Administration through Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mr. Foreman has over 30 years of experience in education, and in addition to administration assignments, he has taught high school English as well as Construction and Welding!  Mr. Foreman was the head Powerlifting Coach at Hays High School for seven years and most recently the head Tennis coach at Johnson High School in Buda, Texas. He has also coached football, soccer and track and loves to attend sporting events at all levels.

Mr. Foreman and his wife, Jennifer, are both educators and proud parents of three grown children who reside in the Austin area. Mr. Foreman is a native Canadian who loves watching hockey and getting home to family and friends when possible.