Staff Report
The Hays CISD Board of Trustees approved two new district personnel during the board meeting on April 18.
HCISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright announced that David Pierce, current Hays High School principal, has been promoted to one of the district’s deputy academic officer positions. Additionally, Lance Moffett from Fredericksburg ISD has been named the new HCISD athletics director.
Pierce has been the principal of Hays High School for 13 years. He was named Hays CISD Principal of the Year in 2020 and was named a state-level principal finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in 2013 and 2019.
In his role as a deputy academic officer, Pierce will oversee the academic and operational leadership of about a quarter of the district’s 26 campuses, as well as other key curriculum and instruction programs. He will finish the school year as Hays High School principal and take over the new position this summer when current Deputy Academy Officer Sami Kinsey retires.
“I appreciate and value the relationships, the learning and the growth I have experienced as principal of Hays High School,” said Pierce. “We have a proud past and an even brighter future in Hays CISD. I am confident we have the right ingredients to make Hays CISD the destination place for new families coming to Central Texas so that they can experience what I experienced for my own children in Hays CISD – a great education from dedicated people.”
Moffett has worked as an assistant coach and social studies and physical education teacher in various school districts, and since 2006, has served in athletic leadership roles in Leander, Round Rock and Fredericksburg ISDs.
Throughout the years, Moffett has led his students to a variety of championships, playoff runs, and undefeated seasons in a variety of sports including football, basketball and tennis. In 2013, he was named the District 27-3A Football Coach of the Year. His programs have often made the playoffs in every sport and finished in the top 10 in the UIL Lone Star Cup, including a fourth place finish for the 2014-15 school year and a fifth place finish in 2017-2018.
“A strong work ethic and love of athletics and the entire educational process and its relationship with extracurricular activities are cornerstones of my philosophy and practice,” said Moffett. “My willingness to adapt to meet the needs of today’s student athletes will serve Hays CISD well. I will strive to give each individual student athlete an opportunity to compete at the highest level possible and accept his or her role while preparing each student athlete to excel in their faith, family, community, academics and athletics.”
Moffett will replace Hays CISD’s previous athletic director who accepted a position with a different school district.
“These positions are important to the district in terms of meeting our community’s expectations of providing the best opportunities and experiences for our students,” said Wright. “And, both people who will be filling these positions have the experience and skills necessary to deliver upon our commitment to excellence in Hays CISD.”
