Dear Bear family,
I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to serve the Riverbend High School community as your principal. For the past 15 years, I have served in a variety of administrative capacities in very diverse communities in both Texas and Alaska.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Exceptionalities and Special Education from Carson Newman University. I earned my master’s degree in Teaching and Learning and Educational Administration from Liberty University. I also completed the post-graduate program for K-12 School Superintendency through East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and served in the U.S. Army between 2006 and 2013.
My career in education started in Virginia as a high school Special Education teacher and coach in Prince William County and Portsmouth City Public Schools. After completing my military service at Fort Hood, I returned to teaching with the Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas. I served in district office administration as the secondary special education coordinator for the Waco Independent School District and as an assistant principal and academic dean in several schools in the Houston, Texas area. Most recently, I’ve had the joy of serving as a principal of schools in the Lower Yukon School District in Alaska.
I look forward to continuing to build and strengthen the Bear community. I believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. I am eager to get to know each and every student, and I will work to ensure that each family feels connected to the Riverbend High School learning community.
We are going to have a fantastic year learning and growing together. I hope to see each of you at the Bear Den meet and greet in the near future.
My family and I look forward to joining the Riverbend community and welcome you to reach out anytime!
Sincerely,
Xavier L. Downs
Riverbend High School Principal