PRINCIPAL: 

Rodney White, rodney.white@fwisd.org

Mr. Rodney White is a native of Abilene, Texas. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. He later earned a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. White holds Texas certifications in International Baccalaureate, Secondary Life-Earth Sciences, and Principal for EC-12. Mr. White brings 25 years of service to the Fort Worth Independent School District as an educator. 18 years of his educational career has been as an administrator.

Mr. White acquired a diverse set of leadership skills in professional development at the “Texas Turnaround Leadership Academy” of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Based on his diverse skillset, he has turned around low performing campuses and has opened and sustained the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, a high performing campus.

Fort Worth I.S.D. selected Mr. White as the inaugural principal of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Young Men’s Leadership Academy (YMLA) in 2012. The YMLA is the first single-gendered school for boys in Fort Worth serving grades 6-12. Under the leadership of Mr. White, the YMLA exceeded state standards and earned distinctions based on the Texas accountability system. He and his team led the campus to two national academic awards from the National Center of Urban School Transformation of San Diego State University (NCUST). In 2019-2020, his campus was recognized as an “A” rated school by the Texas Education Agency and bounced back from COVID-19 in 2023-24 and 2024-25 with another projected “A” rating.

Under Mr. White’s leadership, all graduating classes at YMLA have had 100% college acceptance while together earning over $68 million in scholarship offers. Mr. White specializes in cultivating and empowering all stakeholders to build leadership capacity. He enjoys and is passionate about assisting struggling schools by guiding the leadership team to develop effective systems to enhance school culture and increase student achievement.

Mr. White is thankful for his family and all of their love and support throughout his journey. He is grateful for the support of his wife, Tiffanie White. Mr. White has three daughters: Alexus, Daijah, and Jewel White. Alexus and Daijah are alumni of PHS and Jewel expects to be a Panther when she attends high school.

When not serving his learning community, he relishes opportunities to fellowship at his church, Beth Eden Baptist Church. He thrives on the spiritual guidance of his pastor, Reverend Dr. James Lewis Boatner III, and his church family. Mr. White enjoys playing with his fierce Yorkshire Terrier named Rolo, dabbling around with his tenor saxophone, grilling, and exercising during his free time.

In his first year as principal of Paschal High School, he will lead campus-wide efforts while working closely with the Science department and focusing on building strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS:

Jackie Trevino-Garcia, jacqueline.trevino-garcia@fwisd.org, 817-814-5013

Meet Mrs. Trevino-Garcia, a dedicated educator hailing from Fort Worth. She is a proud product of FWISD, having graduated as the valedictorian from Amon Carter Riverside High School. Mrs. Garcia holds the distinction of being the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from Texas Christian University, followed by a Masters in Secondary Education.

With a passion for teaching, Mrs. Garcia devoted 21 years to Arlington Heights High School. For a decade, she taught Spanish, and for 11 years, she served as the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) coordinator and elective teacher. Her commitment to excellence earned her recognition as a finalist for FWISD's District Teacher of the Year, and she actively contributed to various leadership committees.

Mrs. Garcia and her husband Carlos are embracing the joys of being empty nesters, cherishing their role as parents to three accomplished daughters: Alexis, Aleeza, and Lizette. Her pride shines as her daughters graduated from prestigious institutions such as Texas Woman's University, the University of the Arts (Philadelphia), and the University of North Texas. Now at home, Mrs. Garcia and her husband Carlos find companionship in their two beloved dogs, Nala and Winnie.

Family time holds a special place in her heart, along with watching football, dancing, and indulging in movie outings. Now, in her 5th year as an assistant principal at Paschal High School, Mrs. Garcia is proud to be a part of the Panther community. Her leadership style is characterized by servant leadership, often asking, "How can I help?" "¿Cómo puedo ayudar?"

Mrs. Garcia is one of the 9th-grade assistant principals (last name M-Z), oversees the Math and AVID. Her responsibilities extend to overseeing the Go Center, Spanish-speaking parent meetings, textbooks, and Math High Impact Tutoring(HIT). She finds fulfillment in supporting the teachers, students, and families of Paschal, making it known that "Se habla español" for all who seek her guidance and support.

Jessica Leavitt, jessica.leavitt@fwisd.org, 817-814-5015

Meet Mrs. Jessica Leavitt, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Fort Worth ISD. Her journey into education began with a pivotal moment in high school when her counselor recognized the significance of foundational math skills, sparking her lifelong dedication to empowering young minds.

Her academic journey led her from Tarrant County College to Texas Christian University (TCU), where she completed her bachelor's degree in Middle School Mathematics Education, solidifying her commitment to shaping the lives of middle school students.

Over ten enriching years, Mrs. Leavitt made a significant impact on students' academic and personal growth in 6th through 8th-grade mathematics at J.P. Elder Middle School, Wedgwood 6th, and McLean Middle School. This journey of self-discovery and leadership experiences led her to pursue a master's in Educational Leadership from TCU. As an Assistant Principal, she spent four transformative years at McLean Middle School, fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for both students and staff before joining Panther Nation. 

Outside of school, Mrs. Leavitt enjoys long walks with her husband and their dogs, spending time with family, and hanging with her two sons whenever possible. With their youngest son now in college as a member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, she and her husband are enjoying their second year of empty nesting.

Her warm and welcoming nature allows her to effortlessly connect with students and staff. Creating meaningful connections within the school community is one of her most treasured aspects of her role. She takes pride in fostering a supportive environment for everyone.

Now in her fifth year at Paschal, Mrs. Leavitt serves 12th grade students and oversees Performing Arts, World Languages, JROTC, WEB, Library Services, Go Center, and Campus Technology. She is known for her approachable leadership style, her commitment to students and staff, and her genuine love for the school community.

 

Jennifer Pate, jennifer.pate@fwisd.org, 817-814-5014

Meet Ms. Pate, an exceptional educator with a 12-year tenure in FWISD, split between 7 years at Paschal and 5 years at Marine Creek Collegiate HS. With her wealth of experience, she brings a remarkable depth of knowledge and expertise to her role, leaving a lasting impression on the school community.

Raised in the mid-cities area, Ms. Pate holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin, with a focus on Kinesiology and English as a Second Language, solidifying her commitment to academic excellence and language development. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete a Masters in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University while working with incarcerated high school dropouts in New Mexico. Ms. Pate's passion for education brought her back to Texas, where she joined the Paschal administrative team in 2019. 

Outside her professional commitments, Ms. Pate enjoys exploring new eateries and discovering great coffee shops, savoring culinary delights. Despite her busy schedule, she is a devoted mom to her two teen children, both active in sports. Yet, her commitment to Panther Nation remains unwavering, as she wholeheartedly supports the school community in all its endeavors.

With her years of experience, genuine dedication, and focus on student growth, Ms. Pate is an invaluable asset to the Paschal High School community. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, paired with her firm and impactful approach, establishes her as an outstanding educator and leader. She greatly impacts the lives of students and colleagues, demonstrating remarkable skills. 

Ms. Pate is one of the 9th-grade assistant principals (last name A-L), oversees English Language Arts and Visual Arts departments, ELAR High Impact Tutoring (HIT), testing, Counseling department and scheduling, and our Post Secondary Specialist/Programs of Choice. Moreover, she skillfully orchestrates the annual PASS week, showcasing her dedication to student success and holistic development. She also oversees transportation at Paschal, ensuring that students have safe and reliable transportation options.

 

Ben Swanson, benjamin.swanson@fwisd.org, 817-814-5016

Meet Mr. Swanson, affectionately known as Swanny, a devoted educator with a remarkable 26-year journey in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). Throughout his distinguished career, Swanny has left an indelible mark on countless students' lives, shaping them to become the best versions of themselves. Before joining our vibrant Paschal team in 2018, Swanny spent 9 years as both a teacher and assistant principal at Eastern Hills High School, where he laid the foundation for his passion for academic excellence and student success.

A true Fort Worth native, Swanny's roots are deeply entrenched in this community. He pursued his undergraduate education at Ottawa University in Kansas, where he not only earned his degree but also played football for an impressive four years. Sportsmanship and dedication were instilled in him during those days, qualities he now imparts onto the students he mentors.

Outside the school walls, Swanny cherishes his loving family, with his wife Claudia by his side and their son Edward, who has grown to be a fine young man. And who could forget the lovable Ozzy, their big puppy, who brings boundless joy to their home.

As much as he's devoted to education, Swanny has a penchant for thrill and adventure. Whenever the opportunity arises, you'll find him cruising on motorcycles, savoring the freedom of the open road. And when it comes to indulgence, Swanny has a fondness for sugar-free snacks and drinks, complemented by his love for hearty, succulent steaks.

In the hallways and classrooms of our school, Swanny's dedication to nurturing young minds shines through, and he wouldn't have it any other way. A teacher, a mentor, a guiding presence – Swanny is the epitome of what it means to be a lifelong educator. Always approachable, always caring, he welcomes the nickname with pride and warmth, urging all to call him Swanny.

We are honored to have Mr. Swanson, our beloved Swanny, as an integral part of our school community. His passion, commitment, and unwavering support enrich the lives of those around him, leaving an everlasting impact on generations to come. 

This year his duties include overseeing 10th-grade, oversees Social Studies, Special Education, Paschal Parking, and ensuring the safety and security of the school environment. Swanny's invaluable contributions extend even further, as he has been a strong pillar of support for our beloved athletics programs.

 

Randy Young, randy.young@fwisd.org, 817 814-5012

Meet Mr. Young, an experienced educator with 25 years of service in FWISD, including 16 years as an administrator. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech and a master's in Educational Leadership from Texas Wesleyan.

Throughout his career, Mr. Young has been dedicated to serving students and supporting their academic growth. His journey in education began as a science teacher at Northside High School, where he instilled a passion for learning in his students. Since then, he has served as an assistant principal at several high schools, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to support the school communities.

When not at school, he cherishes spending quality time with his two daughters who are the light of his life. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys various outdoor activities with his daughters, including gardening, hunting, fishing, and swimming. His love for the outdoors fosters a deep appreciation for nature.

With his years of experience and genuine dedication to students and staff, Mr. Young is an integral part of Paschal High School's mission to provide a nurturing and empowering learning environment for all. His passion for education and commitment to fostering a supportive community make him a valuable asset to the school and its students. 

In 2019, Mr. Young joined the Paschal team, and this year, his duties include serving as the 11th-grade assistant principal, oversees CTE and Health and PE, Enrollment Management, and Data and Attendance ensuring attendance recovery and accurate attendance reporting.

 

Dean of Instruction:

Paula Steelman, paula.steelman@fwisd.org, 817-814-5090

Meet Ms. Steelman, a seasoned educator with 15 years of experience, dedicated to advancing student  achievement and instructional excellence. Born in Dallas and raised in Lewisville, Texas, Ms. Steelman graduated from Lewisville High School before earning her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Texas, with minors in chemistry and secondary education. She later completed her master’s degree in biology from Texas A&M Commerce while actively teaching high school science.

Her career began in Garland, TX, where she taught biology and cultivated a passion for science education. Ms. Steelman later served as a master teacher in San Antonio, continuing to mentor students and support instructional growth. In 2022, she joined Paschal High School as a Freshman Success Coach and is now in her second year as Dean of Instruction.

Outside of work, Ms. Steelman enjoys spending time with her fiancé, niece, and nephew. She has a love for the outdoors and a creative spirit, often exploring various crafts in her free time.

In her current role, she leads campus-wide instructional initiatives, collaborates closely with teachers, and coordinates academic interventions to support student success. Ms. Steelman also serves as the LPAC Chairperson, overseeing programs for emergent bilingual students and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities. Ms. Steelman has been recognized for several achievements both in school and professionally, reflecting her deep commitment to uplifting all students and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.