From Longhorn to Dragon, Liliana Barragan is moving across town to take over as the new Fasken Elementary School Principal. She was most recently an assistant principal at United High School for two years where she oversaw the English Department, Paraprofessionals, Student Discipline, Attendance, and Remote Instruction.
“I'm elated and humbly honored to be selected as the Principal at Fasken Elementary,” said Barragan. “It’s a great campus, and I intend to lead it to greater achievements by continuing the tradition of excellence set forth by my predecessor. I’m eager to move forward celebrating the accomplishments of the hard-working teachers, staff, and administrators at this beautiful campus.”
Barragan comes to the new position with 18 years of experience as a well-rounded educator having worked 13 years at the elementary school level and five years in administration positions for middle and high schools, leading staff members, students, and educational programs. The former assistant principal has a wide range of leadership skills in areas that include Special Education, Section 504 designations for students with physical or mental impairments, Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System or TELPAS, and reading and writing programs.
“I thank God for the opportunity that he has afforded me, along with our Superintendent of Schools David Gonzalez and the Board of Trustees for entrusting me and allowing me this wonderful opportunity to reach an important goal in my career,” Barragan adds. “I would like to reassure the students, parents, staff, and the community of Fasken Elementary that safety is my top priority. I plan to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for my Dragon family! As the school mission says, ‘Together we will ignite the fire within, believe, achieve & succeed!’”
UISD Board of Trustees and Secretary Michelle Molina is confident that Barragan is perfect for the position.
“I’m excited for our new Principal Mrs. Lillian Barragan to continue to take Fasken Elementary to the next level of success,” said Molina. “She has been mentored by one of UISD’s best at United HS. I know she will carry that love for her students, passion, and pride for the work she will produce, and bring out the best in her staff. Wishing Mrs. Barragan the best of success in all her future endeavors at the home of the Mighty Dragons.”
The Roma, Texas native graduated in the top ten percent of her high school class. She earned a teaching degree at The University of Texas, Pan American in Edinburg in 2005, where she graduated with honors. She immediately started teaching elementary school at the age of 21 at La Joya ISD. Six years later, her husband Edgar Barragan was assigned to Laredo, and Webb County became their new home.
She quickly landed a job with United ISD and moved up the administrative ladder. Her first job in the district was in the deep South at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School and later at Amparo Gutierrez Elementary where she was part of a team that turned the school around from a “D rating” to an “A rating” in just one year.
“I don’t just want to be an average leader; my goal is to be an extraordinary principal,” states Barragan. “I already have a lot of plans and projects for this campus such as motivational professional development for the teachers and high expectations for the students. I want to foster an environment where the faculty, staff, and students can continue to be exceptional. I also want to have great outreach to the parents of this community and provide the best service possible.”
Barragan got a tour of the school recently and has already met with some staff including the head custodian and counselor. She also got a visit from one of her biggest supporters, UISD Board Member Michelle Molina. The school is one of the District 6 designated campuses. Molina recently helped the school acquire new furniture and both look forward to continued collaborations.
The new Fasken principal says she and her family fell in love with Laredo and hope to stay for a long time. The couple have two sons in UISD schools, one is a junior at United High School and the other is a 7th grader at Elias Herrera Middle. She says they are her pride and joy!
In her spare time, you can find this active, energetic employee biking and spinning. She works out every morning but always finds time to read for work and pleasure. Her closet is, no doubt, full of orange UHS attire, but she says she already has a purple jacket ready for her first year leading the Mighty Fasken Dragons, purple, gold, and teal!
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