Staff Report
WIMBERLEY — Ryan Wilkes has been named the next principal of Wimberley High School.
The Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Superintendent Dr. Greg Bonewald’s recommendation on Wilkes at its special-called meeting on Aug. 3. The move will go into effect following the conclusion of the 2022 fall semester when current WHS Principal Jason Valentine will assume the duties of WISD assistant superintendent.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the next principal of Wimberley High School, especially considering those that have preceded me as principal: Mr. York, Dr. Bonewald, and Mr. Valentine,” Wilkes said. “WISD has a legacy of excellence, and I am excited to be able to continue that legacy alongside our outstanding staff, students and parents at Wimberley High School.”
Wilkes is currently an assistant principal at WHS. He has been with WISD for 12 years in total, including the last three years as assistant principal. He also served nine years as a teacher, including four of those years on the coaching staff for the football, basketball, track, and powerlifting teams.
During his time as a teacher, Wilkes coached the UIL Science team (guiding the team to a State Championship in 2016), served as senior class sponsor, and taught chemistry and physics. This summer he was named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) Region 13 High School Assistant Principal of the Year for 2022-2023.
Wilkes is a 1995 graduate of Wimberley High School and his wife Michelle works at Jacob’s Well Elementary. They have three children who attend WISD schools.
“Ryan is a man of high character who has a genuine heart for supporting all students and staff,” said WISD Superintendent Dr. Bonewald. “As a WHS graduate, Ryan has a deep understanding of the important traditions and culture that make our high school campus, our school district, and our community an amazing place to live and work. WHS is positioned to have a smooth and productive transition of leadership over the fall semester.”
Valentine and Wilkes will continue their current roles (principal and assistant principal, respectively) through the first semester of the 2022-23 school year, allowing an extended period of on-the-job training for Wilkes before he assumes his new role in January 2023.
