Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees Names Shirley Dean as Principal of Tierra Rosa Elementary

The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of Shirley Dean as the new principal of Tierra Rosa Elementary.

Dean brings more than 17 years of experience in public education and a strong background in campus leadership, student support, instructional excellence and relationship-building. Throughout her career, she has served students and families across elementary, middle and high school settings, with a commitment to fostering positive school cultures where all students can thrive.

Dean currently serves as Assistant Principal at Rouse High School in Leander ISD, where she oversees campus initiatives focused on safety, professional learning, instructional leadership and student support. In this role, she has led professional learning communities, supported staff development, collaborated on campus improvement efforts and worked closely with students, teachers and families to strengthen outcomes and enhance the student experience.

Prior to her work in campus administration, Dean served as a school counselor at Canyon Ridge Middle School and taught at the elementary level in Austin ISD, experiences that helped shape her student-centered leadership approach and deep understanding of the educational journey from early learning through graduation.

Dean holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas State University and a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in secondary education from Texas Tech University. She also holds Texas certifications in principal (EC–12), school counselor (EC–12), generalist (EC–6), social studies (4–8), history (8–12) and ESL (EC–12).

Her husband Frank is a lieutenant for the Cedar Park Fire Department and together they have two children who will start in LHISD schools in the 2026-27 school year. Maxim will be in fifth grade and Nora will be in third grade beginning in August. Dean loves spending time with her family, running, cooking, reading, hanging out with her dogs, and spending time at the pool with friends.

“I am incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Tierra Rosa Elementary,” said Dean. “Throughout my 17+ years in education as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, I have been passionate about building strong relationships, supporting student growth, and creating positive school cultures where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed. What draws me to Liberty Hill ISD is its commitment to Academics, Character, and Community, values that closely align with my own leadership philosophy.”

Dean continued, “As I begin this journey, I look forward to listening, learning, and partnering with students, staff, families, and the greater Tierra Rosa community. I am committed to honoring the traditions and successes that have made Tierra Rosa such a special place while working together to build upon its strong foundation. I cannot wait to become a part of the Wrangler family and help ensure every student experiences a sense of belonging, achieves academic success, and develops the character and confidence needed for the future. Together, we will continue making Tierra Rosa a place where students thrive, staff feel supported, and families are proud to call home. Go Wranglers!”  

We welcome Mrs. Dean to the Liberty Hill ISD and Tierra Rosa Family!